The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District is proud to announce the addition of an electric bus to its fleet of school buses, enabling the District to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save on long-term fuel and maintenance costs, and further advance its sustainability goals.
“The bus itself is much quieter, and there are no emissions for kids to inhale,” said MCPASD Transportation Manager Mike Hamstra.
Hamstra said that a diesel bus uses 2,500–2,800 gallons of fuel per year compared to an electric bus that uses 35,000–40,000 kWh per year. The District chose a 2026 Blue Bird All American electric bus, which has a 78-student capacity, based on its larger capacity, earlier delivery date, dual charging capability, and superior battery life and range.
MCPASD is one of the first districts in Dane County to use electric school buses. The District funded the purchase in part through an EPA Clean School Bus Program grant, and the Board of Education approved the purchase in October 2024.
“Sustainability is a core value that guides our operations and educational mission as a District,” said Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jerrud Rossing. “Adding an electric bus to our fleet is an example of how MCPASD is leading with purpose by investing in clean energy and implementing sustainable practices to benefit our students, staff, and community.”
MCPASD’s Board of Education adopted a formal sustainability resolution in 2021 that set a bold target to meet 100% of the District’s operational energy needs with renewable energy by 2035. Since then, MCPASD has introduced several efforts to reduce the District’s carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency, and model environmental stewardship.
“The Board’s sustainability resolution and actions demonstrate our District commitment to being a responsive leader in this area,” said Board of Education President Bob Hesselbein. “From installing solar panels to pool system upgrades and other District-wide efficiency measures, sustainability is a vital aspect of our long-term strategic vision.”
Rossing noted that District students are encouraging District leaders to model environmental responsibility: “We have a very active Green Team at the middle school and high school.”
The bus will be used on daily routes for transporting students as well as for athletic events.
“The bus will service Sunset Ridge Elementary School and Glacier Creek Middle School on both the morning and afternoon routes,” Hamstra said. “Additionally, we will send it out to athletic events that are within range, when appropriate.”
MCPASD has earned recognition for its sustainability work at the local, state and national levels. The District earned a Green Ribbon District designation from the U.S. Department of Education and was recognized with a Sustainable Middleton Award from the City of Middleton in 2023 and as 2024 Climate Champions from the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change.
Learn more about MCPASD’s sustainability efforts here.