Mississippi Agency Awards Nearly $300K for New Diesel School Buses

Seventeen school districts in the state get rebates of up to $15,000 per bus from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

July 5, 2018

Mississippi Agency Awards Nearly $300K for New Diesel School Buses — Seventeen school districts received rebates of up to $15,000 per new bus from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

2 min to read

Seventeen school districts received rebates of up to $15,000 per new bus from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has awarded $295,920 to help 17 school districts buy new school buses.

The MDEQ provided the funding in the form of rebates toward the purchase of new diesel-powered school buses with more stringent emissions controls. The agency said that the new buses will replace older models, reducing emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide.

Since 2009, the MDEQ Diesel School Bus Replacement Program has awarded about $1.08 million to 38 school districts for the purchase of 67 school buses.

“Because thousands of Mississippi children begin and end their days with a trip on a school bus, providing for clean school buses is an ongoing priority for the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality,” MDEQ Executive Director Gary Rikard said. “School buses are the safest and most efficient way to transport students, but we want to ensure that it’s a healthy trip.”

The latest Mississippi school bus rebate recipients are:

• Cleveland School District — $28,640 for two buses.
• Greenville Public School District — $28,640 for two buses.
• Lawrence County School District — $28,640 for two buses.
• Alcorn School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• Coahoma Early College High School — $15,000 for one bus.
• Greene County School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• Harrison County School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• Leake County School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• Lee County School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• Long Beach School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• Monroe County School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• North Bolivar Consolidated School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• North Pike School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• Pontotoc City School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• Pontotoc County School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• Starkville Oktibbeha School District — $15,000 for one bus.
• West Jasper School District — $15,000 for one bus.

The MDEQ has also encouraged school districts to adopt anti-idling policies. The implementation of such a policy was a requirement for the districts that received funds for school buses this year.

Topics:diesel emissions Mississippi Maintenance Management

More Management

Frances Theiring stands with three other people holding an award

Management•by Staff and News Reports•June 19, 2026

Tennessee Hall of Fame Honors Drivers for Decades of Service

Frances Theiring, a school bus driver for Wilson County Schools, retires this year after almost 50 years on the road. She is one of two long-time drivers honored for their service in the state.

A school bus driver wearing a safety vest exchanges a high-five with a smiling young student near the front of a school bus. Sunlight streams through the windows as another adult stands nearby.

Management•by Staff and News Reports•June 18, 2026

What Happens to a School Bus After Retirement? First Student Has a New Answer

Through a new partnership with Advanced Remarketing Services, proceeds from retired vehicle sales will support Special Olympics and other community-focused organizations while advancing sustainability goals.

Management•by News/Media Release•June 18, 2026

School Bus Logistics Adds 3 Data Analysts, Expands Routing Capabilities

Three new data analysts and a BusRight certification bring an added layer of support to the routing services districts already use.

From Our Partners

What More Than Two Million Rides Reveal About School Transit

Outsourcing Student Transportation Services Toolkit

Did you know nearly 40% of school districts utilize a private contractor to serve their transportation needs? Explore why more school leaders are turning to contracted transportation services, and how outsourcing can create meaningful value without sacrificing control. Discover the practical benefits of a transportation services platform that provides flexibility with coordination.