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Dickinson ISD board opts out of state bus-seat rule, citing retrofit cost and pursues grant-funded bus purchases
Summary
After a public hearing on new seat-belt requirements, Dickinson ISD trustees voted to opt out of Texas Transportation Code 547.701 for bus purchases because district estimates put retrofitting the fleet at roughly $4.7 million; trustees also authorized staff to pursue a TCEQ grant and approve a contingent purchase of nine buses if awarded.
The Dickinson ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to opt out of Texas Transportation Code 547.701 after a district transportation presentation that placed retrofit costs well beyond the district's current budget.
"We're looking at over $4,700,000 to retrofit our fleet with seat belts, and we get no assistance from the state," said the district transportation presenter, describing vendor estimates of more than $21,000 per bus for two-point belts and nearly $41,000 for large buses. Trustees then voted to opt out of the statutory purchase requirement, citing budget limitations.
Board members were also briefed on a first-come, first-served TCEQ grant the district applied for to replace older diesel buses. The presenter said the grant could allow the district to buy nine buses for the price of five if the district can scrap qualifying older diesel buses; the district intends to use previously secured hailstorm funds for the local match.
Trustees approved a recommendation to proceed with a purchase contract from Lone Star Longhorn Bus Sales contingent on grant award. "If we're awarded this grant, allow us to sign the contract and get nine buses for the price of five," the presenter said; the board approved the contingent purchase.
The board's actions distinguish two separate decisions: a formal opt-out of the seat-belt purchase requirement because of retrofit cost and a separate, contingent capital plan to pursue grant funding and contract approval if the TCEQ award is received. The district said the grant allows replacement of specified model-year diesels without requiring alternative-fuel vehicles, which staff said is important for long-distance extracurricular trips.
Next steps: the district will notify the Texas Education Agency of the board's seat-belt decision, continue grant follow-up with TCEQ, and — if awarded — finalize the bus purchase contract and arrange for the required scrapping documentation for eligible older buses.
