Toledo Public Schools is hitting the gas on its evolution toward modern, environmentally conscious operations.
During a press conference on March 19 at the TPS Transportation hub, district leaders announced the addition of 12 new Type C electric school buses to its fleet - along with the upcoming installation of the necessary charging infrastructure. This move, established in partnership with Highland Electric Fleets, marks a significant milestone in the district’s transition toward sustainable transportation and fiscal responsibility.
This new partnership with Highland has the company assuming the operational costs of the project. Supported by $4.7 million in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, the new buses - which will be deployed in time for the upcoming school year - are a major part of a long-term plan to convert 80 to 90 percent of the TPS fleet to alternative fuels. (The district, which currently operates 118 buses daily, already has a number of propane-fueled vehicles).
The district anticipates saving up to $1 million annually in fuel and maintenance costs once the alternative fuel goal is reached.
“We are proving that being 'green' and being fiscally responsible go hand-in-hand," says Dr. Romules Durant, CEO/Superintendent of TPS. "We are focused on being intentional with taxpayer dollars while ensuring we remain a leader in education."
Joshua Williams, director of market development at Highland Electric Fleets, commends Dr. Durant and other district leaders for seeking to integrate the electric buses into Career Tech programs, noting the innovative thinking to open an Electric Vehicle Lab in August 2024. By working with high-voltage battery technology, students can earn industry-recognized certifications that prepare them for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and vehicle electrification.
“There will continue to be a skills gap if school districts do not find new ways to prepare students for the real world,” Mr. Williams says. “And by saving money on fuel costs, they can put money back into the classrooms - TPS walks the talk."
An added bonus to this project is that by eliminating tailpipe emissions, these buses improve air quality for students, drivers, and local neighborhoods. According to Highland, replacing just five diesel buses with electric models can reduce the risk of pediatric asthma for approximately 1,500 students.
Chris Varwig, president of the Toledo Board of Education, emphasizes that these changes are intentional and forward-thinking. "We are moving away from 'how things have always been' to adopting a model that is smarter, cleaner, and more aligned with today’s world," Mrs. Varwig states.