H-BC School District considers signing up for e-bus program

The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board may add an electric bus to the district’s transportation fleet.
At their Aug. 8 meeting the board supported a recommendation from the district’s transportation committee to apply for a 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate.
If chosen for a rebate, board members will make a final decision whether or not to accept the electric school bus through the EPA office of transportation and air quality.
“We want to look more into it,” said chairman Arlyn Gehrke, who served on the transportation committee with Tim Bosch and Chris Harnack. “We are proceeding with caution.”
Committee members questioned maintenance needs and who could provide the service. Other concerns include cost of bus disposal, especially the batteries, after six years. Gravel roads may be a challenge.
Primarily e-buses are in use in metropolitan areas on paved roads.
“Our usage of our bus hasn’t been tested, especially on our gravel roads,” said Superintendent Todd Holthaus.
The e-bus program is intended to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission school buses. The rebate, up to $375,000, includes a charging station.
If accepted, the e-bus would replace a current high-mileage 2016 diesel bus.
“If it looks like it is going to be good thing, we are in,” said board member Harley Fransman.
Application deadline is Friday, Aug. 19.
 
In other business, the board:
•accepted the resignation of Eric Harnack as part-time assistant varsity football coach.
•hired Mark Top as a part-time paraprofessional at $16.10 per hour (he will also continue as a bus driver) and Dylan Gehrke as part-time assistant varsity football coach.
•approved fall coaching assignments of Rex Metzger as head varsity football coach; Jason Rauk, assistant varsity football; Dalton Bass, shared assistant varsity football; Scott Harnack, junior high football; Dan Ellingson, junior high football; Darin DeBoer, junior high football; Meghan Zylstra, head varsity volleyball; and Courtney Kruger, assistant varsity volleyball.