EPA administrator David Cash, US Rep. Chris Pappas, and US Senator Maggie Hassan celebrate with West Running Brook students the award of a grant to acquire 25 electric buses.
Derry, NH – October 18, 2024 – The Derry Cooperative School District and First Student Inc. proudly announces the acquisition of an $8.6 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which will enable the purchase of 25 new clean-energy school buses. This initiative is part of the District's ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and support environmental sustainability within the community.
In celebration of this milestone, the District was honored to host a visit from Senator Maggie Hassan, Representative Chris Pappas, and EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at West Running Brook Intermediate School. The event highlighted the importance of clean energy in schools and showcased the District’s commitment to environmentally-friendly transportation solutions.
During the event, students from the West Running Brook Cares Club, under the direction of teachers Patty Thomas and Mison Hugo, played an integral role. Notable student speakers Benjamin Fournier, Henry Fournier, and Jennika Hagman shared their thoughts on the importance of clean energy and their excitement for the new buses. These speeches resonated deeply with the distinguished guests and underscored the impact that students can have on driving sustainability initiatives.
“We are incredibly proud of the work our students, staff, and community have put into making this initiative a reality,” said Dr. Clifton Dancy, Director of Information Services and Transportation Coordinator for the Derry Cooperative School District. “These clean energy buses not only help protect the environment but also offer a tangible learning experience for our students about the importance of sustainability.”
The buses, which will be deployed across the District, represent a significant step forward in reducing emissions and operating costs for the School District. The EPA grant has been instrumental in making this shift toward cleaner energy, furthering the District’s goal of reducing its environmental impact and creating a healthier, safer environment for students and the community.
"We're thrilled to see the next generation so engaged in efforts to combat climate change," said EPA Administrator David Cash. "The Derry Cooperative School District’s leadership in adopting clean-energy technologies sets a powerful example for other districts in New Hampshire and beyond."
Also in attendance were representatives from First Student, School Board members, and District administrators.
The event concluded with an opportunity for students and community members to tour one of the new electric buses, which feature state-of-the-art technology to enhance both safety and environmental performance.