First-ever electric buses secured through clean-air funding grant
Fairfield, CA (December 8, 2025) – Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) has secured a major clean-energy milestone with the addition of five brand-new electric school buses, funded entirely through a state grant designed to support cleaner air and sustainable transportation solutions in California.
The new buses will begin transporting students as early as January, pending California Highway Patrol certification. “Electric buses will not only help reduce our emissions footprint, but I’m especially excited about how quiet they are,” said Marcela Arizpuro, FSUSD Director of Transportation. “This will really support our special riders who are sensitive to noise and create a calmer riding environment for all students.”
These state clean-air grants are specifically designed to help school districts transition to greener fleets, and the addition of electric buses positions FSUSD among districts working proactively to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
“Securing these electric buses is an exciting step for our district and reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility,” said FSUSD Superintendent Jennifer Sachs. “We’re proud to bring our students state-of-the-art transportation that supports cleaner air and a better future for our community.”
The addition of electric school buses is an important step in modernizing FSUSD’s fleet. “FSUSD’s transportation safety plan sets strong standards for bus safety across all vehicle types,” shared Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Laneia Grindle. “The district will work toward future updates that reflect the needs of electric school buses as their use expands in coming years.”
The Transportation Department will continue all regular safety inspections including Schedule A inspections every 45 days or 3,000 miles, and the annual CHP inspections required for every school bus. While electric buses require less mechanical maintenance (since they don’t have components like a transmission), FSUSD will ensure the highest level of safety by aligning with state requirements and best practices.
FSUSD will partner with A to Z Bus Sales to provide training for mechanics, supervisors, and drivers. Drivers will learn procedures specific to electric vehicles – including emergency battery shut-off protocols – ensuring safety and proficiency equal to diesel and propane buses.
“We’re excited to bring modern technology to our students,” added Director Arizpuro. “This is just the beginning.”