Plano ISD would need to spend up to $16.17 million to be in compliance with a new state law that requires three-point seat belts for every school bus passenger.

The gist: Senate Bill 546 was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2025 and requires that all school buses operated by the district must be equipped with three-point seatbelts for every passenger. The deadline for full compliance with the law is Sept. 1, 2029, but the state is requesting estimated costs from districts by the end of the current school year.

Of 314 total buses currently operating, Deputy Superintendent Johnny Hill said 216 are already up to code. The district has 79 buses without seatbelts and 19 with lap belts only.

Quote of note: “I think [the Texas Education Agency] is going to come to the same conclusion that every other school district in the state has come up with—that it's cost-prohibitive,” Hill said.

A new store featuring Cold Stone Creamery and Wetzel’s Pretzels under the same roof is set to open in Carrollton, near the Plano border, according to a store representative.

The specifics: Cold Stone offers a variety of ice cream flavors prepared with toppings such as candy, brownies, nuts and fruit. Wetzel’s Pretzels serves fresh-baked pretzels, pretzel bits and hot dogs.

A grand opening celebration is set for April 5, and will feature a buy-one-get-one free promotions and family-friendly activities.

This March, Frisco ISD leaders narrowed down the search for the district's next superintendent to a lone finalist. Meanwhile, local candidates are gearing up for the district's school board election which is being held May 2. 

Catch up on some stories from Frisco ISD and Collin College. 

Frisco ISD names lone finalist for superintendent position
Frisco ISD has named its Deputy Superintendent Todd Fouche as the lone finalist for superintendent. Fouche would replace Superintendent Mike Waldrip who has served as superintendent of FISD since 2017 and announced his retirement in November.

More than 1,300 Frisco ISD teachers eligible for state stipends
More than 1 in 4 Frisco ISD teachers are now eligible for a stipend from the state. The Teacher Incentive Allotment is intended to attract and retain top teachers, according to the Texas Education Agency.