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Fabens ISD decides against retrofitting buses under SB546, cites budget constraints
Summary
After a presentation on requirements under Texas Senate Bill 546, Fabens ISD trustees voted 5–0 on March 25, 2026, not to replace or retrofit the district's current bus fleet because of budget constraints.
Raul Ugarte, the district's transportation supervisor, presented requirements tied to Texas Senate Bill 546 and reviewed cost estimates and reporting duties for installing seat belts on school buses. Trustees asked questions about scope, cost and compliance; following the presentation Julieta Sepulveda Ramirez moved and Benjamin Morales seconded a motion that, given current budget constraints, the district will not replace or retrofit the current fleet. The board approved the motion 5–0.
The minutes record the decision as a fiscal choice rather than a regulatory determination: the district will not pursue retrofit or replacement at this time and will comply with SB546 reporting requirements as required. The presentation and decision were recorded under agenda item 5.A; the minutes do not state specific retrofit cost estimates in the public record.
