S.T.A.R.T.™ Recommends Active Threat Preparedness for National School Bus Safety Week

S.T.A.R.T.™ Advocates for Comprehensive School Bus Safety Training

With National School Bus Safety Week fast approaching from October 20 to 24, 2025, S.T.A.R.T.™ (School Transportation Active-Threat Response Training) is emphasizing the critical importance of incorporating active threat preparedness into school transportation protocols. As districts across the nation gear up for this observance, the organization's message resonates louder than ever.

S.T.A.R.T.™, based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, has prided itself on providing specialized training for thousands of school bus drivers across various states, such as Ohio, Georgia, Tennessee, California, Illinois, and West Virginia. Despite the significant number of personnel trained, there remains a pressing concern: not enough of the estimated 500,000 school bus drivers in the U.S. are adequately prepared to recognize and respond to potential threats in real-time.

According to Jim Levine, CEO of S.T.A.R.T.™, traditional safety measures—such as fire drills and evacuation protocols—while essential, do not encompass the full scope of today's challenges. He stresses, "We must evolve our understanding of bus safety. The threats we face are changing, and it is imperative that bus drivers are trained to recognize early warning signs, maintain composure during crises, and make informed decisions to safeguard the lives of the 25 million students they transport daily."

The Role of S.T.A.R.T.™ in Crisis Preparedness

S.T.A.R.T.™ has developed an evidence-based training program that equips drivers with the skills to identify concerning behaviors and communicate effectively under duress. The hands-on curriculum is carefully crafted by a team of active-duty and former law enforcement personnel, crisis intervention specialists, and mental health experts. As a result, the training not only covers the theoretical aspects of threat response but also offers practical scenarios that prepare drivers for unexpected situations.

This year, the initiative coincides with the opening of the STOP School Violence Grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. This funding opportunity can significantly support school districts looking to enhance their preparedness through comprehensive driver training. Levine points out, "This is a unique and urgent chance for districts to leverage STOP Grant funding to train their entire transportation workforce, ensuring they are fully equipped to handle real-world threats, not just hypothetical scenarios."

The deadline for STOP Grant applications is October 27, and S.T.A.R.T.™ is actively encouraging districts to utilize this funding to implement active-threat response training as a key part of their safety strategy. The STOP Grant aims to fortify school safety by funding evidence-based programs focused on preventing violence and enhancing preparedness.

Ongoing Commitment to Safety

To promote awareness during National School Bus Safety Week, S.T.A.R.T.™ will be sharing daily safety tips, driver testimonials, and success stories from districts that have successfully implemented their training programs across their platforms. Levine emphasizes that bus safety must encompass more than just operational procedures like stop arms and flashing lights: "Preparedness is the new seatbelt—it can save lives."

Founded in 2015, S.T.A.R.T.™ remains dedicated to training school transportation professionals on recognizing, preventing, and responding to threats that could jeopardize the safety of students during transit. Their multidisciplinary team, which includes former law enforcement and crisis-intervention specialists, ensures that training is hands-on and closely adheres to district policies and local legislation.

For more information about S.T.A.R.T.™ and its training programs, visit www.schoolbusstart.com.

Media Contact

For inquiries, please contact:
Mike Lawson
Communications Director
School Transportation Active-Threat Response Training (S.T.A.R.T.™)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (513) 432-2358
Website: www.schoolbusstart.com