SAN MARCOS — The San Marcos Unified School District is celebrating the completion of a major comprehensive energy, infrastructure and bus fleet electrification project, which includes the introduction of 33 new electric school buses.
The project has moved forward largely due to federal and state funding received by the district, including $11.5 million that allowed the purchase of the e-buses. SMUSD also expects to receive another $5.25 million between local grants and rebates for RV infrastructure and the federal Inflation Reduction Act.
San Marcos Unified partnered with energy company ENGIE North America Inc. on the project, which is expected to greatly reduce the district’s carbon footprint and result in $40 million in net energy savings for the district over the next 30 years.
“It’s districts like San Marcos that really rise to the top in truly showing how innovation and action can occur,” said Courtney Jenkins, president of ENGIE Services U.S. “San Marcos has really been an innovator and really a vanguard in leading this work.”
San Marcos placed the first seven of the 33 e-buses on the road last fall, and the additional 26 buses were rolled out more recently. These additions have transformed a significant portion of the district’s 84-bus fleet, with the oldest diesel buses being removed from service.
Major upgrades are also in place at the district’s transportation center on Mata Way. The bus yard now features 40 e-bus charging stations, infrastructure for 35 future stations, onsite solar power generation, battery energy storage and a backup microgrid.
Outside transportation, San Marcos Unified has invested in energy cost control measures across district facilities. This includes upgraded LED lighting at 19 schools and one sports complex, solar installations totaling 8,000 kWh at San Marcos High School and the district office, battery energy storage systems, and HVAC upgrades at the North County Regional Education Center.
“This project showcases SMUSD’s dedication to providing a better, healthier environment for students, staff and the community,” said Superintendent Dr. Andy Johnsen. “I’m proud to say that with this ambitious project, we’re demonstrating here in this district leadership in renewable energy and sustainability, which I hope can serve as an example for others.”
SMUSD Executive Director of Transportation Mike Sawyer said the new buses provide a quieter and smoother ride than the diesel models. He noted that they also use regenerative braking, which captures energy when the bus slows down or goes downhill and uses it to recharge the battery.
“The drivers love them. They’re so quiet,” said Sawyer, an alumnus of district schools and former district bus driver.
Over the past two years, San Marcos Unified has also expanded its general education bus services to have 15 routes, servicing all elementary schools with plans to expand to middle schools. This is in addition to 48 special education routes.
Sawyer said that while driver shortages have been an issue nationwide, the district has been able to employ 86 drivers. Since last year, the district has implemented various incentives, including 6.5 guaranteed hours and starting pay of around $22 per hour, with opportunities to make up to $28.
Until recently, SMUSD offered only two general education routes serving Twin Oaks Continuation School.
