Volusia Co. schools retreading bus tires to save money

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Volusia County School District is defending its decision to retread its school bus tires instead of buying new ones. It's all part of the district's efforts to save thousands of dollars.

School buses are now at the top of the list of ideas for cutting the school district budget in Volusia County. District leaders are even getting so detailed, they're looking at how much is spent on school bus tires.

"We're going to see a 21% increase in tire cost in October, so we have to do some measures to reduce that cost," said Director of Student Transportation Services Greg Akin.

Akin explained to WFTV how his department will be retreading tires. It's a common option that involves bonding a new rubber tread surface onto old tires to avoid buying new ones.

"Are retreads safe?" asked WFTV reporter Blaine Tolison.

"Yes they are very safe," replied Akin.

The district has been doing it for years, but now it will be doing it more often. The cost of a retread is around $90 compared to a new tire that costs more than $200.

This school year, Akin said it saved $30,000 by using retreads. While it isn't that much, it is more than what some teachers make.

The Orange County School District said it also uses the cost cutting method of retreading. Orange County schools reported buying new tires would have cost the district $300,000 last year if it wasn't for retreads.

The Volusia County School District said school bus drivers are required to inspect tires twice a day, then they get a detailed inspection by a technician once a month.

Tires more than six years old are taken off the buses.

WFTV