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BREADCRUMB

Bellevue School District Secures Significant Funding to Advance Zero-Emission Transportation

Bellevue School District Secures Significant Funding to Advance Zero-Emission Transportation

Bellevue, WA – The Bellevue School District (BSD) is pleased to announce a major milestone in its commitment to sustainability with a grant award from the Washington Department of Ecology. The district has been awarded $392,091.27 in state funds through the Ecology Zero Emission School Bus Grant Program to purchase a new electric vehicle, including $50,000 for a charging infrastructure. The funding, which supports the transition to zero-emission school buses, represents an important step forward in creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our students, families, and community. 

Additionally, once an agreement with the EPA is finalized, the district will be eligible for an additional $632,916.00. This includes the same $50,000 for charging infrastructure (state funds only) and $582,916.00 for bus replacement, which is a mix of state and federal funds. The federal portion is $300,000, and the state portion is $282,916.00. 

Shaped by the Sustainability Policy and Plan adopted by the Bellevue School Board on April 20, 2023, students have been at the forefront of Bellevue School District’s sustainability initiatives. Framed around the Four Pillars of Sustainability—district resources, environmental safety, collective understanding, and student voice—the policy reflects BSD’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact and preparing students to lead in a rapidly changing world. This forward-thinking approach sets ambitious 1, 3, 5, and 10-year goals, with a sustainability committee driving implementation and an advisory group ensuring progress through continuous evaluation and adaptation.  

The Director of Transportation, Don Dixon, says, “We are on the track to fulfilling the district's transportation sustainability plans to be an environmentally friendly district.  “This grant award is a significant accomplishment for our transportation department and an important step toward creating a sustainable future for students in the Bellevue School District.” 

This funding enables the district to replace aging diesel-powered buses with modern, zero-emission alternatives. Transitioning to electric school buses significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality, providing a healthier environment for our students and the broader community. Additionally, this investment aligns with BSD’s commitment to sustainability and supports Washington State’s broader goals of combating climate change and advancing clean energy initiatives. 

The district will collaborate closely with the Washington Department of Ecology to finalize agreements and ensure compliance with all grant requirements. Infrastructure upgrades for charging stations will begin shortly, with the purchase of its first electric vehicle in time for students at the start of the school year in September 2025. 

The Bellevue School District, with over 19,000 students and 28 schools, is a diverse and dynamic district in East King County, Washington. Its mission is "To serve each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally through a rigorous and relevant education that is innovative and individualized. As a learning community that values one another's humanity, we provide courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students."  

  • 2024-25 School Year
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