Santa Fe ISD opts out of immediate SB 546 retrofit requirement, approves phased replacements and one bus purchase

The Santa Fe Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously April 23 to opt out of the near-term retrofit requirement imposed by Senate Bill 546 after trustees and staff concluded the district's budget could not accommodate immediate full compliance. The board's action follows a series of staff presentations that outlined fleet status, retrofit costs and replacement-options.

Alex, the district's transportation/operations presenter, told trustees the district currently has 28 buses equipped with three-point seat belts, five buses with two-point (lap) belts and 18 passenger buses with no seat belts. Staff reported an approximate retrofit cost of $44,916 per bus; trustees discussed a total retrofit figure for noncompliant vehicles discussed in the meeting as roughly $1.33 million to $1.34 million. The presenter said vendors cautioned that structural changes required for retrofits can void warranties and do not always guarantee identical safety performance compared with a new bus.

Trustees debated retrofit versus replacement strategies, lead times and funding sources. Staff noted that new buses have a long lead time (about 360 days) and that recent bond proposals meant to fund a replacement cycle had not passed. The district said it is planning a phased replacement cycle (staff described a target five- to seven-year window for much of the fleet and indicated intent to purchase at least one bus per year when budget allows); staff also said the district will explore grants and other funding opportunities identified under the state law.

After that discussion a trustee moved to approve the district's opt-out from Transportation Code 547.01 under SB 546, citing budget limitations; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Trustees emphasized that the opt-out does not relieve the district of pursuing safety improvements but allows staged replacements rather than an immediate system-wide retrofit.

On a related procurement motion the board approved purchase of one replacement bus with a cost not to exceed $184,875 (plus an $800 buyboard fee). Staff said the insurance settlement for a bus loss will cover the bulk of the purchase and that the new vehicle will have a lead time of about 360 days. Trustees noted the district will continue to prioritize replacement of buses with no seat belts.