Board approves bus‑replacement plan, early‑childhood schematic and GMP amendment tied to 2026 bond

Greenville — The Greenville ISD board took multiple capital actions Tuesday tied to the district’s 2026 bond program, approving a phased bus‑replacement strategy to meet state seat‑belt requirements, declaring surplus property, approving schematic designs for a new Early Childhood Center and authorizing a site‑preparation GMP amendment for two elementary campuses.

Bus replacement and safety compliance: Administration briefed trustees on Senate Bill 546 requirements that school buses meet three‑point seat‑belt requirements by Sept. 1, 2029. The district currently has 33 buses with three‑point belts and 14 without; administration estimated retrofitting older buses would cost roughly $4.55 million, while replacing buses (estimated at $165,000 each) and purchasing five per year over three years would cost about $2.475 million. Administration recommended continuing a plan of purchasing five buses per year and using short‑term low‑interest loans or fund balance to smooth the cost. The board approved the motion to proceed (vote 7–0).

Surplus property to free lot space: Trustees declared 7 additional older buses and three portable buildings (1992 or older) surplus to be auctioned; the auction will free space for new buses and prepare sites for planned storm‑shelter additions.

Early Childhood Center schematic and site selection: Architects from WRA presented schematic designs for an early childhood facility sited across from the middle school on Templeton, describing podbed classroom groupings, a secured central courtyard, material palette, and traffic/utility coordination with the city. Trustees approved the schematic design and authorized staff to continue into design development (motion passed 7–0).

GMP site‑prep amendment for Carver and Lamar: Administration and Poe Construction presented a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) amendment for site‑preparation work required by storm‑shelter locations and playground relocations at Carver and Lamar Elementary Schools; the GMP amendment in the packet was $491,740 and trustees authorized the superintendent to execute the amendment after legal review and confirmation of bonds and insurance (motion passed 7–0).

Procurement and next steps: Administration said it will return with specific purchase recommendations for buses and construction contract documents as required; contingency language for portables and potential demolition costs was discussed. Trustees asked about traffic impact, timing and contractor risk allocation; administration said traffic impact analysis and city coordination are underway and construction sequencing is planned to minimize disruption.

The board’s approvals allow the district to proceed with bond-funded construction and compliance steps this summer and return with contract execution documents and further implementation details.