By Marianne Arbulu
Our children’s future depends on the decisions we make today. As we navigate the challenges of today’s world, it’s becoming increasingly clear that our schools need to adapt to better serve the health and well-being of our students. The current environment demands that we not only prioritize their education but also their physical health.
As a Republican, I value responsible energy solutions that balance innovative solutions with environmental challenges without sacrificing economic prosperity. I’m also a proud parent that supports educational freedom, the power of choice and parental involvement in education.
One pressing issue is the outdated infrastructure in many schools, which can have a direct impact on student health. Modernizing school facilities, including improving air quality and upgrading outdated ventilation systems, is essential to creating a safe and healthy learning environment. That’s why I am advocating for districts to adopt electric school buses.
Research shows that children who ride a diesel bus are at increased risk for pediatric asthma. For one child, a half-hour ride to school and a half-hour ride home each day amounts to 180 hours per school year. That’s a lot of diesel. Electric school buses eliminate this exposure and reduce the risk of respiratory issues among children, particularly those with preexisting conditions.
The shift toward electric school buses is a crucial step forward. Diesel-powered buses, which transport millions of students each day, contribute to air pollution and can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma, especially in children.
By transitioning to electric buses, we can significantly reduce harmful emissions, leading to cleaner air and healthier communities.
From a financial perspective, I recognize the importance of fiscal responsibility and long-term investment. Although electric buses may cost more upfront than diesel models, they save school districts money in the long run by lowering operating and maintenance costs.
There are also funding opportunities that make the transition more feasible. Federal and state incentives provide substantial financial support to replace aging diesel fleets with electric buses.
And companies like Highland Electric Fleets contribute to the transition toward zero-emission transportation by providing a range of services that simplify and reduce the cost for school districts interested in adopting electric vehicles.
I urge Florida parents and school board members to consider the long-term benefits of making the switch to electric school buses. By setting aside political agendas, we can make thoughtful, informed choices that truly benefit our kids and give them the opportunities they deserve for generations to come.
Marianne Arbulu is a former superintendent of schools in Jefferson County and served on the Jefferson County School Board. This opinion piece was originally published by the Tallahassee Democrat, which is a media partner of The Invading Sea.
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