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
CHRONOLOGY OF THE AGENDA ITEM
In accordance with Board Policy DJE (Purchasing), III.D.3.d. the purchase is made through
contracts formally solicited and obtained by the State of Georgia, or any other political
subdivision of the State of Georgia, the federal government, or some other governmental agency.
The Purchasing Department shall be authorized to make purchases through inter-governmental
and educational cooperatives, alliances and consortiums to achieve cost savings and
administrative efficiencies based on economies of scale. Upon board approval, Fifty (50) 2026
Blue Bird Vision 72-passenger Electric School Buses will be purchased from Yancey Bus Sales
using SWC #99999-SPD-G20160601, in an amount not to exceed $18,750,000.00.
.