Agenda Item
ii. FY 25 Transportation Department School Bus Purchase Approval (Not to Exceed $18,750,000) ~ Updated 12.3.2025
Summary: Presented by: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer, Division of Operations
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of (50) 2026 Blue Bird/Vision 72 Passenger Electric School Buses from Yancey Bus Sales and Service through the Georgia Statewide Contract SWC number: 99999-SPD-SWL20200630-0001 for $18,750,000.
Why: The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Transportation Department seeks approval to purchase 50 Blue Bird Vision 72-passenger Electric School Buses from Yancey Bus Sales and Service through the Georgia Statewide Contract SWC number: 99999-SPD-SWL20200630-0001.
This purchase aligns with DCSD’s commitment to environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and student health by reducing emissions and improving air quality in and around our schools. The acquisition of these 50 electric buses represents the second phase of the district’s EPA Clean School Bus (CSB) grant implementation, following the initial 25 EV buses approved in January 2025.
This investment directly supports the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program Agreement, which provides funding for clean energy transportation initiatives and infrastructure readiness. The purchase further reinforces the district’s strategic goal of modernizing its fleet, lowering fuel and maintenance costs, and contributing to a cleaner, safer environment for students and the community.
Details: In accordance with Board Policy DJE (Purchasing), Section III. D3D, this purchase is made through contracts formally solicited and obtained by the State of Georgia, leveraging cost savings and administrative efficiencies through the Georgia Statewide Contract.
The EPA CSB Grant will reimburse a portion of the total project cost, with DCSD responsible for the remaining balance associated with bus specifications and district branding. The Transportation Department has collaborated with the Division of Operations, Procurement, and Finance to ensure compliance with both EPA grant requirements and state procurement guidelines.
This project also supports the district’s phased approach to transitioning its electric vehicle fleet, with charging infrastructure currently under development at the East DeKalb Campus and the former Hooper Alexander Elementary School-the two designated EV bus maintenance and charging hubs.
Financial impact: The purchase amount of 18,750,000 will be allocated from the CSB grant, Cost code: Expendable Equipment Charge Code 477.2700.561500.25421.7100.9990.8012.040.2025.
Contact: Mr. Erick Hofstetter, Chief Operating Officer; Division of Operations, 678-676-1483
Mr. Raymond E. Stanley, Executive Director; Student Transportation and Fleet, Division of Operations, 678-898-8055
Mr. Bernando C. Brown, Director, Student Transportation, Division of Operations, 678-875-0090
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
BUILD A BUS WORKSHEET
Use this worksheet to build your bus by selecting options to add and delete options. Your built bus should be verified with the vendor to
ensure options compatibility with options selected.
VENDOR NAME: Yancey Bus Sales and Service
CUSTOMER NAME: Dekalb County Schools
Delivery Cost Per Mile
Estimated Number of Miles
Delivery Cost $0.00
Description of Bus Manufacturer Make/Model Bus Bid Price
Base Unit 72-Passenger 72-Passenger 2026 Electric School Bus (Dekalb County Schools) $375,000.00
BUS OPTION DELETION DESCRIPTION Cost
Crossing Gate - Air Operated $ (110.00)
TOTAL COST OF DELETIONS $ (110.00)
BUS OPTIONS ADDITIONS DESCRIPTION
Motor,Drive TM4 315HP 2176LB-FT Included in Price
Battery System,High Voltage 155kw (Battery Carries 8-Year Warranty) Included in Price
AC 80 Amp 240V Charger $ 2,956.00
Driver's Seat-Air Ride $ 205.00
Front & Rear Mud Falps $ 109.00
Entrance Door - Air Operated 3 Position Included in Price
Lighting - Lamps and Signals - Driver's Dome (LED State Spec) Included in Price
Locks - Vandal Locks Front and Rear $ 246.00
Locks - Ignition keyed to Previous Year (Keyed Alike) $ 7.00
Storage - Over Driver's Side Window $ 115.00
Stop Arm - Air Operated w/LED Cluster Lights $ 75.00
Color - White Roof $ 235.00
Glass - Tinted Windows Full Bus $ 261.00
Brakes - Bendix Air-Disc Brakes $ 1,780.00
120,000 BTU AC Front and Rear $ 29,899.00
Electronic Stabilization Included in Price
TOTAL COST OF ADDITIONS $ 35,888.00
SOURCED GOODS DESCRIPTION Cost
Remote Mounted Air Drain Valves $ 200.00
Mobile Eye Crash Mitigation $ 1,195.00
PA with 8 Speaker $ 265.00
Driver's Seat Arm Rest $ 100.00
RH and LH Entrance Door Assist Rail $ 160.00
Master Battery Disconnect Switch $ 85.00
Fuse Protected Junction Block for Aftermarket Equipment Included in Price
5-Year/Unlimited Miles Bluebird Warranty $ 1,700.00
3-Year/Unlimited Miles AC Warranty Included in Price
5-Year Towing Warranty $ 2,500.00
REI Wireless Camera Systemw/Install $ 2,650.00
Kenwood NX-800K NexEdge Digtal T/W Radio $ 750.00
Bluebird Academy (Vantage) Online Training Access Included in Price
Dekalb County Discount $ (46,679.00)
TOTAL COST OF SOURCED GOODS $ (37,074.00)
TOTAL COST OF 50 BLUEBIRD EV BUSES @ 375,000.00 EACH $18,750,000.00