MSD board approves electric bus purchases

The MSD of Martinsville school board approved the purchase of three new electric buses from Kerlin Bus Sales and Leasing. (Kerlin courtesy photo)
MARTINSVILLE — It was a fairly procedural meeting of the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville last week, but one particular thing on the agenda sparked some discussion: an action item seeking the board’s permission to purchase four electric buses from Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing, Inc.
The total package, which includes the buses and two chargers, will cost the district $612,916. This is a subsidized total, as the district is taking advantage of a $280,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency clean vehicle rebate, as well as a $40,000 Drive Clean Indiana tax credit.
Martinsville resident Mark Murray addressed the board with concerns about electric buses during the public comment portion of the meeting. He expressed some discomfort with the price tag on the buses, and wondered if the board was simply purchasing the vehicles in order t...