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WFISD reviews bus inventory, estimates retrofitting 30 buses at more than $1.1M
Summary
Administration briefed trustees on the district’s SB546 bus inventory: 109 buses total with 74 already having 3‑point seat belts; estimates to retrofit 30 buses exceed $1.1 million and staff recommended pursuing grants and prioritizing new-bus purchases where financially sensible.
The Wichita Falls ISD board received an informational report on the district’s bus inventory and the cost to meet Senate Bill 546 seat‑belt requirements.
Assistant Superintendent (presenter) reported the district operates 109 buses: 74 are already equipped with 3‑point seat belts, five recently received buses include 3‑point belts, 10 buses have 2‑point harnesses and 20 buses have no seat belts. Staff provided a warranty-impact letter from manufacturer Bluebird and preliminary retrofitting estimates: retrofitting 30 buses would exceed $1.1 million at current vendor estimates — an amount comparable to purchasing several new buses.
The presenter recommended pursuing available grants to cover retrofit costs, noting warranties and remaining service life of older buses (many non‑compliant buses were purchased in 2017–2018 and would reach a typical 15‑year service life around 2032–2033). Trustees discussed whether retrofitting or buying new buses makes better fiscal sense and stressed the need for clear legislative guidance and funding.
No vote was required; administration will submit the inventory through the Sentinel portal to the Texas Education Agency as required and pursue grant opportunities where feasible.
