# Bryan ISD School Board Special Meeting, September 14, 2026

The Bryan Independent School District (ISD) held a special school board meeting on September 14, 2026, focusing heavily on procurement and budgetary matters. Key procurement actions included the approval of purchasing eight new school buses—six general education and two special needs buses—from Longhorn Bus Sales under contract 70 722-23 to replace aging vehicles and comply with upcoming state seatbelt requirements. The board also discussed and approved a compensation increase for bus drivers, raising starting pay from $18.65 to $22 per hour to address driver shortages and improve retention, with an estimated net annual cost of $155,000 after offsetting attendance incentives. Additionally, the meeting featured detailed updates on major capital improvement projects, including schematic design presentations for the new Bryan Collegiate High School building and the Mel Green Fieldhouse, with projected completion dates in 2029 and 2028 respectively. The board reviewed site plans, security features, and community engagement efforts related to these projects. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a comprehensive benefits plan financial update, highlighting a growing deficit in the district's self-funded health insurance plan, projected to increase by nearly $7 million. Various premium increase options were presented, with discussions emphasizing the need for balanced measures to maintain affordability for employees while addressing the financial shortfall. The board acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the necessity for multi-year corrective actions, with a vote on premium adjustments anticipated at the next meeting. Overall, the meeting addressed critical procurement decisions, capital project progress, and financial challenges related to employee compensation and benefits.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles, Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 14, 2026

### Sources
- [Bryan ISD School Board Special Meeting, September 14, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfxgZNLvrFA) - Bryan ISD