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Santa Fe ISD opts out of immediate SB 546 retrofit requirement, approves phased replacements and one bus purchase
Summary
Facing an unfunded state mandate (SB 546) requiring three-point seat belts on all buses, trustees unanimously approved an opt-out due to budget constraints, outlined a phased replacement plan and approved one insurance-funded replacement bus (not to exceed $184,875).
The Santa Fe Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously April 23 to opt out of the near-term retrofit requirement imposed by Senate Bill 546 after trustees and staff concluded the district's budget could not accommodate immediate full compliance. The board's action follows a series of staff presentations that outlined fleet status, retrofit costs and replacement-options.
Alex, the district's transportation/operations presenter, told trustees the district currently has 28 buses equipped with three-point seat belts, five buses with two-point (lap) belts and 18 passenger buses with no seat belts. Staff reported an approximate retrofit cost of $44,916 per bus; trustees discussed a total retrofit figure for noncompliant vehicles discussed in the meeting as roughly $1.33 million to $1.34 million. The presenter said vendors cautioned that structural changes required for retrofits can void warranties and do not always guarantee identical safety performance compared with a new bus.
Trustees debated retrofit versus replacement strategies, lead times and funding sources. Staff noted that new buses have a long lead time (about 360 days) and that recent bond proposals meant to fund a replacement cycle had not passed. The district said it is planning a phased replacement cycle (staff described a target five- to seven-year window for much of the fleet and indicated intent to purchase at least one bus per year when budget allows); staff also said the district will explore grants and other funding opportunities identified under the state law.
After that discussion a trustee moved to approve the district's opt-out from Transportation Code 547.01 under SB 546, citing budget limitations; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Trustees emphasized that the opt-out does not relieve the district of pursuing safety improvements but allows staged replacements rather than an immediate system-wide retrofit.
On a related procurement motion the board approved purchase of one replacement bus with a cost not to exceed $184,875 (plus an $800 buyboard fee). Staff said the insurance settlement for a bus loss will cover the bulk of the purchase and that the new vehicle will have a lead time of about 360 days. Trustees noted the district will continue to prioritize replacement of buses with no seat belts.
