During a recent meeting, the Westfield Academy and Central School board of Education discussed the transition to a zero-emission vehicle fleet as mandated by the state legislation. Representatives from Wendel, an architectural and engineering firm specializing in alternative fuels, presented a study to assist the district in converting its bus fleet to electric vehicles. The state law requires all school buses to be electric by 2035, with new buses purchased from 2027 onwards mandated to be zero-emission. This has prompted the need for a Zero-Emission Transition Plan encompassing infrastructure development and workforce impact. Wendel highlighted funding opportunities available to the district, including EPA programs and state incentives, with estimated bonuses for priority districts. Although concerns were raised about infrastructure costs, weight differences of electric buses, and fire safety, the urgency to start the two-year infrastructure project was stressed. Despite initial challenges, the board acknowledged the inevitability of moving towards a zero-emission fleet, given the upcoming restrictions on purchasing non-electric buses. The meeting also covered other agenda items, including an audit report showing a positive financial balance and a policy review for parent and family engagement.