The Meramec Valley R-III School District has been selected to participate in the Ameren Electric School Bus and Charging Program, an initiative administered by the Eastern Missouri Alliance for Clean Transportation (EM-ACT). This opportunity represents an important step forward in the district’s ongoing efforts to support student health, environmental responsibility, and long-term operational sustainability.
As part of the selection process, district leaders Mr. Sauvage, Mr. Guenzler, Mr. McCaw, and Mr. Pipes met with representatives from Ameren Missouri and EM-ACT to review the district’s current bus fleet, evaluate electric infrastructure at the transportation department, and discuss the economic needs within the district’s attendance area.
Through the Electric School Bus and Charging Program, the district will be able to purchase three new electric school buses, which will require the retirement of existing diesel buses. The program also includes the installation of three charging stations and upgrades to the electrical infrastructure at the transportation department to support the additional power demands.
Electric school buses offer significant health and environmental benefits. Unlike diesel buses, electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping reduce greenhouse gases and improve local air quality. This is especially important for children, whose respiratory and cognitive systems are still developing.
EM-ACT and Ameren Missouri have expressed appreciation for the district’s leadership and vision in embracing this initiative and will continue to support Meramec Valley R-III throughout the implementation process. The district looks forward to moving ahead with this exciting project, which reflects a commitment to the long-term wellbeing of students, staff, and the broader community.