National School Bus Safety Week Calls for Active-Threat Training
News related to:START Institute · 2 min read
CLEVELAND, Oct. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- In the wake of alarming incidents involving school buses, the S.T.A.R.T. Institute is calling for specialized training for school bus drivers to enhance their ability to recognize and respond to active threats. These calls come as part of National School Bus Safety Week, which runs from October 19 to 23.
The institute highlights several recent incidents that underscore the need for such training. For instance, an armed woman reportedly forced her way onto a school bus during a confrontation in Indianapolis, as reported by FOX59/CBS4 Indianapolis. Such events demonstrate the critical need for bus drivers to be prepared to handle threats, given their unique role in transporting children away from immediate assistance.
Founded in 2015, the S.T.A.R.T. Institute has been at the forefront of addressing school transportation safety. Through its School Transportation Active-Threat Response Training (S.T.A.R.T.™) program, the institute has reached over 10,000 school bus professionals across 18 states. The eight-hour K, 12 program combines classroom instruction with hands-on scenarios, empowering drivers to recognize threats, assess response options, and act with confidence when seconds matter.
The S.T.A.R.T.™ program includes five core modules: - Duty to Protect / In Loco Parentis - Threat Recognition and Awareness - Juvenile Behavioral Intelligence / Threat Assessment - Conflict Resolution Through De-Escalation - Active Shooter / Active-Threat Response Options
Columbus City Schools have already embraced the S.T.A.R.T.™ training, with over 600 drivers and aides completing the program. The success of this initiative is evident in the testimonials and the positive outcomes it has brought to the community.
Jim Levine, Founder and CEO of START Institute, emphasizes the importance of this training.
During National School Bus Safety Week, the institute encourages school districts to invest in training that helps drivers recognize threats, respond with confidence, and better protect themselves and the children they transport. The goal is to ensure that school bus drivers are equipped to handle any situation that may arise, thereby enhancing the safety of the children they serve.
By investing in this training, schools can strengthen their overall safety measures and provide a safer environment for students. The S.T.A.R.T. Institute remains committed to elevating the role of school transportation personnel as essential members of the school safety community.