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Stafford MSD board hears SB 546 bus‑safety report; retrofit estimate about $657,000 for 16 buses
Summary
Under Texas Senate Bill 546, staff reported Stafford MSD has 27 buses, 16 need three‑point harnesses; retrofitting is estimated at about $41,000 per bus (~$657,000) and replacement about $162,000 per bus. Attorney will draft a resolution for the May meeting for TEA reporting.
Board members received the SB 546 student transportation safety report outlining three‑point harness requirements and the district's current status. Dr. Bostic and the district CFO/transportation official confirmed the district has 27 buses; 16 require either replacement or retrofitting to meet the three‑point harness requirement. The CFO gave cost estimates: roughly $41,000 to retrofit a bus and about $162,000 to replace a bus, yielding an estimated total retrofit cost of about $657,000 for the 16 buses in need.
Board members discussed options and timing. Trustee Hana Hosa urged staff to review fleet age and build a multi‑year plan so replacements or retrofits do not cluster in 2029, the statutory changeover date. The board’s attorney said the statute requires the board to state whether purchasing equipped buses fits the district budget and that he will draft a resolution for the May meeting to complete required documentation for TEA before the May 30 deadline. "...the statute also requires that the board take a vote where the board determines that purchasing buses that are equipped with the 3 point seat belts either fits within the district's budgets... or it does not," the attorney said.
