Electric School Buses

In 2022, D65 received funding for one (1) electric school bus for our Head Start Program. To learn more, visit this Northwestern Now article. 

In the Spring 2024, US EPA Clean School Bus Program Awards awarded STA (Positive Connections) with $12,187,254 for 32 all electric school buses for five school districts they're serving in Illinois and Wisconsin including District 65. As part of the grant award, D65 students will be served by 10 electric school buses starting in the 25-26 school year.

By the end of the 25-26 school year, we will have 11 electric school buses (approximately 25% of buses) serving our D65 students.Our District is excited for our students and community to have access to quite, clean operating electric school buses and improved air quality.

D65 is continuing to explore and apply for grant opportunities with our bus companies as we strive to continue expanding the number of Electric School Buses serving our D65 students.

Benefits of Electric School Buses: 

• Improved Air Quality/Zero tailpipe pollution -- students, drivers, and members of the community will be exposed to significantly less harmful diesel emissions like PM and NOX
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel school buses
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Quiet, clean operation