Every Clear Creek ISD school bus now has air conditioning, district staff told the board of trustees Monday, Aug. 24, capping a fleet overhaul that cost $4.9 million.
The milestone was part of a back-to-school spotlight presentation at the board's regular meeting in League City. It covered bus upgrades, campus security and summer facility work across the district's campuses.
The board voted unanimously May 18 to purchase 30 new buses from Longhorn Bus Sales, Rush Truck Centers and Thomas Bus Sales, with President Jonathan Cottrell and all six trustees approving the $4.9 million from capital projects funds. Transportation Director Tammy Pickett's team also completed all bus routes faster than in the previous two school years, Community Impact reported.
At that same May 18 vote, trustees determined that budgetary and warranty limitations prevent purchasing or retrofitting buses with three-point seat belts, citing Texas Transportation Code §547.701(e)(1).
Security boost at elementary campuses
CCISD's Safe and Secure Schools Department stationed 11 outside law enforcement officers at elementary campuses during the first week of school. The officers came from Galveston County, Houston Police Department, UTMB and Webster Police Department.
Four deputies also earned school-based law enforcement licenses over the summer after completing advanced training.
The Aug. 24 agenda also included a consent item to renew a "Good Cause Exception for Armed Security Officer Requirement," a state-allowed exception to the armed security officer mandate. Whether the board approved that item is not confirmed in available records.
Summer facility work
Maintenance crews tackled HVAC systems and gym floors districtwide over the summer:
- 87 chillers repaired
- 1,500 HVAC coils cleaned
- 63 cooling towers cleaned
- 20 gym floors refinished
- 17 campus fire lanes repainted, with help from students
Staff also served 10% more meals at the start of the school year than the year before, despite declining enrollment.
Budget context
The spending comes as CCISD faces an $18.4 million projected shortfall for fiscal year 2026-27, driven by enrollment decline, inflation and state funding challenges. The board's next meeting for formal tax rate adoption is Sept. 28.
