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Board finds retrofitting buses with seat belts financially infeasible after SB 546 cost report
Summary
Interim Superintendent Gwen Gilliam told the board that fitting all district buses with seat belts would cost approximately $577,952.08; the board voted unanimously to determine retrofit was not financially feasible under SB 546.
Interim Superintendent Gwen Gilliam presented a cost analysis March 23 showing the district has 22 buses, 13 of which lack any seat belts. Gilliam told the board the district faces an estimated cost of more than $41,000 per bus to add belts to those 13 vehicles, plus $21,000 each to add shoulder belts to two buses that have only lap belts. She reported a total retrofit estimate of $577,952.08.
After the cost presentation, Board Member Chris Pratt moved that it is not financially feasible for West Rusk CCISD to retrofit buses with seat belts under SB 546. Vice President Matt Eastwood seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously among members present to adopt the determination of financial infeasibility.
The minutes record the numerical estimates but do not include supporting invoices or vendor quotes. The board's formal determination means the district has documented a fiscal infeasibility finding under the SB 546 reporting requirement; the minutes do not state next steps for compliance reporting or alternative safety measures.
