New Orleans School Aims to Have Area's First Electric School Buses

A charter school in the Big Easy is kickstarting its electrification journey. The New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School will be the first in the area to transition its entire fleet to all-electric school buses.

The school's transportation provider, A&S Transportation, a subsidiary of National Express, will support the process, along with Highland Electric Fleets.

The school was awarded $3.1 million in grant funds by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program (CSBP).

Aiming for Sustainability

This electrification effort will be Sci High’s first big-scale venture into sustainability and marks their inauguration as a sustainability leader in their community.

"As a STEM school, we at Sci High believe it is our responsibility to lead the effort in bringing a cleaner, greener option to our community. We recognize the impact that the toxic fumes of diesel fuel has on the health of our students and greater community. We see this move to EV buses as one positive step in improving the environment in which we live," Head of School Monique G. Cola, Ph.D., said. "At Sci High, we want to #bethecatalyst [our theme for the school year] for positive change in our community."  

A&S Transportation is also working to be more sustainable in New Orleans, where its customer service center has taken the initiative to outfit its entire roof with solar panels.

“We are delighted to add another NOLA school district partner to our roster of successful EPA grant recipients. These nine new EVs for Sci High will join the 32 that are currently in the works for Charter Schools in New Orleans from the second round of the EPA grants,” said Brian Craig, New Vehicle Director, North America, National Express. “The context of this award for Sci High is particularly exciting because it will allow the school to electrify their entire fleet and gain recognition as a new sustainability leader in their community."