Dear Leander ISD families and staff,

Student safety remains our top priority, and we take seriously our responsibility to ensure that every child arrives at school and returns home safely each day.

We received the National Transportation Safety Board’s report and urgent recommendations following its investigation into the school bus rollover crash that occurred Aug. 13, 2025. We are grateful that all students and our driver survived the crash and continue to recover. We also appreciate the NTSB’s thorough review, which offers important lessons for school districts nationwide about ensuring consistent seat belt use on school buses.

Leander ISD immediately implemented changes to our safety practices after our own initial investigation. We appreciate that NTSB’s initial findings and recommendations align with our own. The following illustrates our commitment to best practices and communication:

  • Driver Accountability and Monitoring: Drivers are required to confirm that students are properly belted before departing campuses each afternoon and to remind students during morning routes. Team Leads now conduct random video reviews to verify compliance.
  • Clear Expectations and Communication: Families have received districtwide reminders via SMART Tag emphasizing that all riders must wear seat belts on buses equipped with them. Updated messaging will appear in the Student & Parent Handbook, the Transportation Handbook and the Employee Handbook.
  • Safety Signage: Decals reinforcing seat belt expectations are being added inside each bus to serve as visual reminders for students and drivers.
  • Training and Oversight: Additional education and training on seat belt use are being provided to transportation staff, campus administrators, and families. Routine audits and safety inspections will ensure sustained compliance with district policy and state law.
  • Policy Review and Audit: We are formalizing an enforceable district policy for seat belt use, including procedures for monitoring, reporting, and accountability, consistent with Texas Education Code §34.013 and the NTSB’s recommendation (HIR2507).

We are committed to learning from this event and to modeling the highest standards of safety in student transportation. We thank our transportation professionals for their dedication and the families who continue to partner with us to keep every child safe.

For more information about seat belt safety expectations and transportation updates, please visit www.leanderisd.org/transportation.

Sincerely,

Tracie Franco

Senior Director | Transportation Services
Leander Independent School District