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Clifton ISD board says it is not feasible to budget $1.0M for SB 546 school-bus seat belts
Summary
Superintendent Andy Ball told the board SB 546 requires three-point seat belts on all buses by 2029–30 and presented an estimated district cost of about $1,003,192; the board voted unanimously among members present that it was not feasible to budget that expense.
Clifton ISD Superintendent Andy Ball outlined state requirements under SB 546 and presented the district's estimate for compliance. "The total cost estimate for meeting the requirement would be approximately $1,003,192," Ball said, noting the mandate applies to all school buses by the 2029–30 school year.
Board members discussed the obligation and the district's fiscal ability to meet it. After discussion, the board voted that it was not feasible to budget for the cost. The motion to deem the expense not feasible was moved by Josh Ritzmann and seconded by Matthew Domel and passed with six votes in favor and one member absent.
The decision directs the district to report cost estimates to the state but reflects the board's current judgment about local budgeting capacity. The board did not adopt a plan to fund retrofits or replacements; members deferred any budgetary commitment and did not set a timeline for revisiting the issue.
