authorized in 2022. While other district projects are being completed, transportation planners have been informing the design phase by touring other transportation facilities and gathering input to inform the ideal approach for the redesign. “We’re excited about the opportunity to build a modern,


efficient and future-ready transportation facility,” said Transportation Director Brian Sim. “The goal is to create a space that improves workflow, supports a growing fleet and allows for the latest vehicle technologies.” An important element of the plan is the ability to adjust


to future needs as they arise. “The redesigned facility will be built with the flexibility to accommodate both diesel and electric buses,” Sim not- ed. “We are planning infrastructure that supports current needs while preparing for a shift toward electric vehicles in the future.” As planning continues, gaining the insights of those


most directly affected is a key part of the process, Sim said. “Our mechanics and transportation staff are actively


involved in the planning process,” he said. “Their input is critical to designing a functional and practical workspace that supports safety, efficiency and long-term use.”


Updating Equipment The addition of specialized equipment can also help up-


grade operations. Perhaps most typical is the installation of chargers for electric school buses. That’s been a recent im- provement for Cabarrus County Schools in Concord, North Carolina, the host of the inspection training at STN EXPO East in March. The district owns two electric buses, which led to the instation of 60kW chargers from Borg-Warner. The units were installed by electrical contractors used by the school system for other electrical projects, noted Darrell Lemly, transportation fleet manager. “These are some of the faster chargers as well as being


bi-directional which may benefit some organizations,” he said. In where to put the chargers, he and his staff consid- ered location, ease of installation and convenience to the users and mechanics. Decisions about location took into account the need


for running wiring to power the units as well as effective pedestal installation and the need to limit interference with parking lot traffic flow. Preparations also included a commissioning process that had to be completed by the vendor before the chargers could be used. In selecting chargers, staff placed high priority on speed


of charging so buses could be charged between morning and afternoon routes. Faster chargers also support less down time in general, Lemly said. As funding allows, Cabarrus County will purchase ad- ditional ESBs, with applications now under consideration


Responding to


Local Needs Across the country, school districts are re- sponding in various ways to transportation facility needs. Whether that means renovations or new construction, such initiatives can bring welcome upgrades that make life better for transportation leaders and staff. Mayfield Inde- pendent Schools in Kentucky opened a new bus and maintenance facility last year. For district leaders, the decision whether


to renovate or opt for new construction was a non-factor, as the previous facility was de- stroyed by a tornado in late 2021. The new $4.5 million garage offers an expanded design with 11,000 square feet of space. The new facility also includes a fuel station, a feature which was previ- ously unavailable. A new operations center for Saline Area Schools in Michigan now houses both the trans- portation, buildings and grounds departments. It includes bus maintenance facilities and a bus wash along with grounds and equipment storage. Completed last November, the innovative project, funded as part of a district-wide improvement initiative, combined the two departments on a seven-acre parcel and now provides 26,000 square feet of new space. At Lake George Central School District in New


York, a new transportation facility is slated for completion next summer. The $13.5 million center will replace facilities built in 1953 as the original elementary school and gymnasium. Repurposed in the 1960s as a bus garage, space was limited and from the infrastructure aging. The new center will include 15 bays, training and locker rooms and a hydraulic lift. The design will also accommodate charging equipment for electric school buses. United South Central School District in Wells, Minnesota is building a new facility rather than tackling renovations. The existing structure suffers from both aging and lack of space, with some district-owned vehicles routinely parked outside regardless of weather conditions. The new facility, authorized in April, will include enough space for all district-owned vans, four school buses currently stored outdoors, and activity buses.


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