School Bus Referendum

School Bus Referendum Vote Overview

On December 3, our community will decide on funding for school buses, two 66-passenger electric school buses, and one 30-passenger gasoline OR two 66 and one 30-passenger gasoline engine buses to purchase. We understand the significance of this decision and we are committed to providing as much information as you need to make an informed choice.

In line with New York State’s 2022-2023 mandate, all new school buses purchased in NYS must be zero-emission starting in 2027, and the entire fleet on the road must meet this standard by 2035. The Onondaga Central School District has been actively pursuing grants and incentives, such as the New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) as well as the federal EPA Clean School Bus program. This enables us to propose the purchase of two electric buses with virtually no cost to the community.

As taxpayers, the decision is in your hands. Our role as a district is to equip you with the necessary information and have an informed voting decision on the ballot December 3. By securing grant funding, we’ve ensured that these electric buses can be purchased without any tax increases or additional community funding. This vote will replace the Bus referendum usually voted in May.

Thanks to grants and incentives, Onondaga Central School District has acquired monies to purchase two electric buses with virtually no cost to taxpayers. The district has conducted an initial fleet study and if approved school architects and engineers will further study the electrification needed to help meet the NYS mandate. If approved these two buses will be deployed on routes to test efficiency and practicality. Also included from the grant monies are the charging stations that will be installed at the bus garage with options for future expansion.

If the electric bus purchase is not approved, the alternative would be to purchase three gasoline?powered buses, which are not eligible for incentives.

New York State Mandate and Timeline

The NYS mandate requires all new buses sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2027. New York State is transitioning to a 100% zero-emission and electric school buses (or ESB) are the only viable option at this time. ESBs powered by rechargeable batteries offer a cleaner alternative to diesel, operating on New York’s clean energy grid and emitting zero tailpipe emissions. 

The Environmental Bond Act, passed by New Yorkers in 2022, offers both public school districts and contracted fleet operators over $500 million in funding toward school bus electrification. This and other State and federal incentives and resources are available to help school districts efficiently and cost-effectively convert their fleet. 

Voting on School Bus Purchases

As with all school bus acquisitions, the decision to purchase electric buses requires voter approval. We’re committed to answering any questions and providing transparency in this important decision for our community. 

Cost Analysis

The Facts

» While electric school buses have a higher upfront cost compared to diesel or gasoline-powered vehicles, their long-term savings come from lower maintenance and operational costs. This is primarily due to the simpler design of electric powertrains, which have fewer components and are easier to maintain. 

» Thanks to state grants and incentives, Onondaga Central School District can acquire two electric buses at virtually no cost. If approved by voters, the district will conduct a fleet and electrification study and initially use the buses on shorter routes. A charging station would be installed at our bus garage with expansion capabilities, and the equipment, including charging stations, are covered under warranty. 

» Electric companies like National Grid are also working on more affordable energy rate packages tailored for school districts and transportation services. 

» Concerns about battery fires, while valid, are generally linked to low-quality, retrofitted batteries in cheaper e-bikes and scooters. Reputable manufacturers of electric school bus batteries have strong safety records, and these batteries are well-protected with battery management systems and thermal management 

Propositions

PROPOSITION I 

(Electric and Gasoline School Bus Proposition) 

Shall the Board of Education of the Onondaga Central School District be authorized to purchase and finance two (2) electric school buses and one (1) gasoline school bus, including necessary furnishings, fixtures and equipment and all other costs incidental thereto, and expend a total sum not to exceed $1,016,508, which is estimated to be the total maximum cost thereof, and pay for such vehicles by applying $441,000 in available grant funding from the New York School Bus Incentive Program and, for the balance, by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District to be collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District, in the principal amount not to exceed $575,508 shall be issued. 

PROPOSITION II 

(Gasoline School Bus Proposition) 

If Proposition I does not pass, shall the Board of Education of the Onondaga Central School District be authorized to purchase and finance three (3) gasoline school buses, including necessary furnishings, fixtures and equipment and all other costs incidental thereto, and expend a total sum not to exceed $436,480, which is estimated to be the total maximum cost thereof, and pay for such vehicles by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District, in the principal amount not to exceed $436,480, shall be issued. 

Important Dates

Public Hearing - Nov. 21 @ 6:30-8:00 p.m. - Jr./Sr./ High School Cafeteria

Vote - Dec. 3 @ 7 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Rockwell Elementary Gymnasium and Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria Lobby

Voting Information

Who is Eligible to Vote – You are eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older and have been a District resident for at least 30 days prior to the vote. Questions? Call the District Clerk at 315-552-5001.

Options for Early Mail Voting (NEW) and Absentee Voting: Early Mail voting provides the ability to vote by mail in lieu of voting in person, by absentee ballot, or by military ballot. Residents who will not be in the area on voting day may apply for an absentee ballot at the District Office. If the early/absentee ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the application must be submitted at least seven days prior to the vote. Early/Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. 

Military Ballot Applications: Members of the United States Armed Forces may request an application for a military ballot to vote in the upcoming Onondaga Central School District budget and board of education election. Military application ballots are available (see file below).

Voter Objections/Challenges:

Any qualified voter may challenge the qualifications of an individual casting an absentee ballot.

The qualifications of any individual submitting an absentee ballot may be challenged

The basis for challenges includes:

• Voter is not 18 years old as of the day of the vote;
• Voter is not a United States citizen;
• Voter has not been a District resident for 30 days prior to the vote;
• Voter is not disqualified from voting (felony conviction, for example); and
• In Districts using a system of personal registration only: the voter is not registered with either the County Board of Elections or the District.

A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots were issued must be available to both the public and the Election Inspectors.

Before opening any envelopes, the Election Inspectors must review any written objections received by the District Clerk. (These are received prior to the election, based on inspection of the list to whom ballots were issued.)

Election Inspectors should also review any objections made on voting day.

Challenges must be able to be received on voting day – These can be made by contacting the District Clerk, at 315-552-5001. The challenge must include the following:
Your Name
Your Address
The Name of The Voter Who’s Eligibility You Are Challenging
The Reason for the Challenge

The challenge period will commence at 9:00 p.m. on voting day.