Month: September 2023

The Garretson School District welcomes three new electric school buses, leading the way to a clean, cost effective future.

On By Guy JohnsonIn Uncategorized

For Immediate Release

Garretson, SD –  September 26th – The Garretson School District is pleased to announce a significant step in a more sustainable and eco-friendly future with the arrival of three brand-new electric school busses on Friday, September 29th.  

Switching from traditional diesel school buses to electric buses not only benefits our environment, but also presents substantial cost savings for the Garretson School District.  The District is proud to acknowledge the Federal Government’s Clean School Bus Program, which provided funding for the purchase of the buses and installation of charging infrastructure.  This program provided $3.6 million dollars to six districts across the state, including the Hansen School District – 1 bus, the DeSmet School District – 1 bus, the Lower Brule School District – 1 bus, the Viborg-Hurley School District – 2 buses, the Sioux Valley School District – 2 buses and the Garretson School District, with funding for three buses.  

Electric school buses offer a number of advantages over their diesel counterparts, including:

  • Cost savings:  Electric buses are more energy efficient and have lower maintenance costs compared to diesel buses.  The reduction in fuel and maintenance costs will results in significant long term costs savings for the district, allowing us to re-allocate those resources to other areas of need within the district.  
  • Safety and comfort:  Electric buses are much quieter, offering a more peaceful and comfortable ride for students.  The buses also feature advanced safety features, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for everyone.  
  • Environmental benefits:  Electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.  Contributing to cleaner air in the student drop off / pick zone for our students, and generally for the community.  

Join us on Friday, September 29th at the Garretson Bus Garage, 700 Nordstrom Ave., Garretson SD as we accept delivery of our new buses and begin this new chapter in transportation for the district.  Delivery is scheduled for 9:00 AM.  

For more information about the Garretson School District’s electric bus transition, please contact Superintendent Guy Johnson at guy.Johnson@k12.sd.us.