The School District of Palm Beach County's newest electric buses are parked and charge at the bus depot and maintenance facility on Summit Boulevard in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on February 21, 2025. The buses will be in service by the end of the month. Florida Power and Light worked with the department to install the 60,000-watt chargers that will charge the buses.
Stockton, California – California school districts are accelerating their push toward cleaner air and climate-friendly practices by replacing traditional diesel school buses with zero-emission electric vehicles. As of May 2024, more than 1,100 zero-emission school buses are now in operation across over 300 school districts and local education agencies, thanks partly to California Climate Investments’ funding.
Among those leading the way are three pioneering school districts—McKinleyville Union, Oakland Unified, and Stockton Unified—that have made bold commitments to zero-emission student transportation. These districts are proving that achieving a fully electric fleet is both possible and beneficial regardless of size or geography.
McKinleyville Union School District, a small, rural district on California’s North Coast, now operates a 100% zero-emission school bus fleet. Serving low-income communities in Humboldt County, McKinleyville Union faced significant challenges due to limited staff and tight budgets. But with $1.5 million in state support from the Rural School Bus Pilot Project and the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), the district purchased four electric buses.
Today, over 250 students ride safely and cleanly to school each day. The transition has led to a 60% reduction in maintenance and fuel costs, and inspired district officials to expand electrification to utility vehicles and maintenance equipment. “It hasn’t been easy,” said a district spokesperson, “but the long-term savings and health benefits for our students make it worth every step.”
The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) has also achieved a fully zero-emission bus fleet in urban Oakland. In partnership with third-party provider Zum, OUSD now transports 1,300 special needs students each day using 74 electric buses. The district secured $9.9 million in California Climate Investments grants and additional support from the U.S. EPA’s Clean School Bus Program.
“Oakland USD is proud to lead the way with safe and sustainable transportation for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell. “In a city where many families face high levels of air pollution and asthma, these quieter, cleaner buses are a game-changer—for health, for learning, and for the environment.”
Stockton Unified School District (Stockton USD), located in the Central Valley, runs all general education routes using 35 electric buses. These were partly funded by $7.3 million from the Clean Mobility in Schools grant, $2.6 million from HVIP, and contributions from federal and state clean school bus programs.
Stockton USD emphasized that successful implementation hinges on leadership and cross-department collaboration. “Having passionate, adaptable leaders at the helm is key,” said a district representative. “Just as important is maintaining open communication with community members, school boards, utility providers, and contractors.”
Stockton USD isn’t stopping with buses. Inspired by their success, the district is exploring solar power, wind turbines, and energy storage, and plans to build an educational walkway to teach students about decarbonization and renewable energy.
With mounting environmental, health, and economic benefits, these districts are setting the pace for a zero-emissions future—one school bus ride at a time.
