Every Clear Creek ISD school bus now has air conditioning, capping a years-long upgrade across the district's 300-bus fleet.
The milestone was part of a "program spotlight" presentation to trustees at the Monday, Aug. 24 board meeting. The presentation also highlighted enhanced campus security and summer facility repairs, Community Impact Newspaper reported.
For families across Webster, Seabrook, Nassau Bay and Clear Lake Shores, the most visible change may be the security boost. CCISD's Safe and Secure Schools Department deployed 11 outside law enforcement officers to elementary campuses during the first week of school. The officers came from Galveston County, the Houston Police Department, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and the Webster Police Department.
The added presence comes as the district's Galveston County security contract increased by $900,000 in the 2026-27 budget, CFO Alice Benzaia said during budget discussions.
Over the summer, school resource officers completed advanced training. Four deputies graduated with school-based law enforcement licenses.
Faster routes, cooler rides
Beyond air conditioning, the district's transportation team completed all bus routes faster than in the previous two school years, according to the presentation. The district did not specify how much time was saved.
Summer facility work
Maintenance crews tackled major repairs 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 compared to the prior year, despite a drop in overall student enrollment.
Budget context
The operational wins were presented at the same meeting where trustees approved a $22.8 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026-27. The gap is driven primarily by the loss of approximately 1,000 students and reduced state and local funding. CCISD plans to draw on its $39 million capital contingency fund to cover the difference.
The board will formally adopt the district's tax rate at its Sept. 28 meeting. The projected rate is $0.969 per $100 of home valuation.
