Valley View ISD studies three options to meet Texas seatbelt requirement for school buses

The Valley View Independent School District Board of Trustees heard an informational report Dec. 8 on how to comply with Texas Senate Bill 546, which requires seatbelts on school buses.

Alejandro Rodriguez, Support Services Director, told trustees the district operates 34 buses, of which 25 are already equipped with three‑point seatbelts and nine are not. He said, "The 3pt seatbelts were not required prior to 2018; after that, every bus that the District has purchased has the 3pt seatbelts." Rodriguez provided an estimated retrofit cost for the nine buses of $205,731.89 and said the turnaround time once a purchase order is issued would be about 8–10 business days.

Administrators outlined three options: a) retrofit the nine buses with three‑point restraints; b) pursue a lease for eight electric buses (administration cited roughly $160,000 per year for a 10‑year lease); or c) purchase new diesel buses (quotes at about $154,000 per bus). Interim Superintendent Dr. Monica Luna said the report is informational while the Texas Education Agency completes a statewide cost survey and evaluates potential grant funding for districts.

Trustees asked about vehicle ages and service life; Rodriguez reported the district's buses range from 2008 to 2014 and estimated remaining life for older units at roughly 5–7 years. Board President Claudia Coronado asked whether seating and monitors are being prioritized for younger students; staff said monitors are used on some routes and drivers and monitors assist with seatbelt use but that students sometimes remove belts. No formal decision was made; administrators said they will continue to pursue state guidance and potential grant opportunities.