Fort Bend ISD Gets 8 New School Buses Through State Grant

Fort Bend ISD Replaces 8 School Buses Through the Texas Clean School Bus Program

Fort Bend ISD is putting eight new school buses on the road, thanks in large part to a state grant focused on student health and safety. For families in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, and across Fort Bend County, it's a small but meaningful upgrade to how thousands of kids get to school every day. Here's what the program is, how the district is paying for it, and why it matters for the community.

What Did Fort Bend ISD Approve?

At an August 31 meeting, the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees approved a budget amendment using 2023 bond contingency funds to cover the remaining $515,679 for eight new buses, after the district was awarded an $841,072 grant through the Texas Clean School Bus Program.

In total, it's a nearly $1.36 million investment to replace aging buses that had become too costly to maintain and were more likely to have mechanical problems. In other words, the state grant covers most of the cost, and the district's share comes from bond money voters already approved, not a new tax.

What Is the Texas Clean School Bus Program?

The Texas Clean School Bus Program is run by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It provides grants to help schools replace diesel buses that are at least 20 years old with newer models, with the goal of reducing children's exposure to diesel exhaust.

The program is part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), which supports cleaner air across the state by funding projects that cut emissions from vehicles and equipment. The Texas Legislature created the program in 2005, and it has been helping districts modernize their fleets ever since.

All Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools can apply, and the program funds both repowering and replacing older diesel buses, including with electric models.

What Makes the New Buses Different?

Cleaner engines. The new 77-passenger buses still run on diesel, but they burn fuel more cleanly than the older buses they're replacing, according to the district's chief operations officer.

Three-point seat belts. Every new bus comes equipped with seat belts. This matters because Texas is working to ensure all school buses have three-point seat belts for every passenger and driver. In March, district officials reported that only 122 of the district's 416 buses had three-point seat belts.

Better reliability. Newer buses mean fewer breakdowns, fewer delays, and less money spent keeping old equipment running.

The district has already purchased the buses, and they'll go into service after an inspection.

What This Means for the Fort Bend Community

Healthier Air for Students and Neighborhoods

Older diesel buses produce more pollution than modern ones. Cleaner buses mean better air for students riding them, drivers, teachers, and the neighborhoods buses travel through every day.

Safer Rides to School

Adding seat belts to the fleet is a step toward safer transportation for Fort Bend ISD students. For parents, it's peace of mind on the daily commute.

Smart Use of Taxpayer Dollars

Using a state grant to cover most of the cost means the district can modernize its fleet without leaning heavily on local funds. Replacing buses that are expensive to repair also helps the transportation budget go further over time.

Why School Investments Matter for Homeowners

Schools are one of the biggest factors buyers weigh when choosing a neighborhood. Investments in student safety, transportation, and facilities help keep Fort Bend ISD attractive to families moving to Sugar Land and the surrounding area. A strong school district supports strong home values, which benefits every homeowner in the community, whether or not they have kids in school.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many buses is Fort Bend ISD replacing?
Eight buses, funded mostly by a state grant through the Texas Clean School Bus Program.

Are the new buses electric?
No. The new buses use diesel, but they run cleaner than the older buses they replace.

Do the new buses have seat belts?
Yes. All eight new buses are equipped with seat belts.

Did this raise property taxes?
No new tax was needed. The district's portion came from existing 2023 bond contingency funds.

Thinking About a Move in Fort Bend ISD?

Whether you're buying in Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, or anywhere in Greater Houston, The Cathy Stubbs Team knows the neighborhoods and schools that matter to your family. Call 281-967-6149 or visit us at 307 Ulrich St., Sugar Land, TX 77478.

Sources:

• Community Impact: Fort Bend ISD to replace 8 school buses
• TCEQ program announcement via SCTTX
• ABC13: Texas to reimburse districts that upgrade to cleaner buses
• CTE: Texas Clean School Bus Program funding opportunity