La Joya ISD Invests Nearly $2.8M in New School Buses to Strengthen Student Transportation
La Joya, TX - La Joya ISD is continuing to invest in the safety, reliability and long-term improvement of student transportation with the purchase of 18 new school buses totaling $2,794,600.
The investment includes 12 new 77-passenger school buses and six new 51-passenger special-needs school buses, expanding the District's transportation capacity while replacing and strengthening portions of its fleet.
The six special-needs buses will include accessibility features such as wheelchair accommodations, wheelchair lifts and dedicated storage compartments, helping La Joya ISD better serve students who require specialized transportation. The buses will also include important safety and monitoring features.
The 12 additional 77-passenger buses will support the District's daily transportation routes and are equipped with features including three-point passenger seat belts, security camera systems, backup cameras, air conditioning and vehicle monitoring systems.
"This investment is about our students and making sure the transportation system they depend on every day is safe, reliable and prepared to meet their needs," said S.B. Pierson, Chief of Operations & Infrastructure for La Joya ISD. "For many of our students, the school day begins the moment they step onto one of our buses. Investing in our transportation fleet means investing in their safety, their access to school and the confidence our families place in La Joya ISD. We are continuing to make responsible decisions that strengthen our operations while putting students first."
The purchase supports La Joya ISD's ongoing work to maintain adequate fleet capacity, improve transportation reliability and provide safe and efficient service for students across the District. It also strengthens the District's ability to accommodate students with specialized transportation needs.
The nearly $2.8 million investment directly aligns with Priority 5: Operational Excellence & Financial Stability of La Joya ISD's Achieving Excellence Together 2030 strategic plan. Through Priority 5, the District is focused on strengthening operational systems, using resources responsibly and making strategic investments that improve services for students, employees and families.
The District selected Thomas Bus Gulf Coast GP, Inc. through the BuyBoard purchasing cooperative process. The selected quotation totaled $2,794,600 for the 18 buses and associated purchasing cooperative fees.
This latest investment reflects La Joya ISD's continued commitment to improving the systems that support students beyond the classroom. From transportation and facilities to technology and safety, the District continues working to ensure its operational investments directly support student success and the needs of the La Joya ISD community.