Bryan ISD trustees approved the purchase of eight new school buses for $1.3 million and a pay increase for bus drivers during their Sept. 14 special board meeting as the district works to address its aging fleet and shortage of drivers.
At a glance
The district will purchase six general education buses and two special-needs buses.
According to a presentation from Director of Transportation Bryant Washington, BISD currently has 118 buses, and about 40 do not have seat belts.
The breakdown
Purchased with 2020 bond funds, the eight buses will cost the district $1,285,148 and are estimated to be delivered to the district within two to seven months.
New buses will also help the district prepare to be in compliance with Senate Bill 546, which requires all Texas public school buses to have three-point seat belts by fall 2029.
In similar news
Trustees also approved increasing starting pay for bus drivers from $18.65 to $22 per hour. The change is expected to cost about $400,000 annually, including benefits.
To offset the new payroll costs, the district will discontinue its attendance stipend for CDL bus drivers whose primary assignment is driving. CFO Norma Friddle said this will bring the estimated net annual cost to about $155,000.
Measuring the impact
Washington said the district is facing a crucial driver shortage, with staff members, mechanics and other employees with commercial driver’s licenses helping cover routes.
“Bryan ISD transportation continues to face a serious shortage of drivers,” Washington said. “We simply do not have enough drivers right now.”
Friddle said she hopes the higher starting pay will help recruit and retain drivers. The new pay rate was expected to take effect immediately.
