Revere board reviews START training for bus drivers after presenters call buses a ‘soft target’

Presenters from the START program told the Revere Local Board of Education at its Feb. 11 work session that school buses are a vulnerable “soft target” and outlined an eight-hour training course to give drivers response options.

The START presenters said the course—aimed at drivers, aides and substitutes—covers juvenile behavioral indicators, de-escalation and active‑shooter scenarios adapted to the constraints of buses. The training team described an initial eight‑hour block followed by a four‑hour annual refresher and a planned “START 2” module for special‑needs scenarios.

START instructor Ben, a former Secret Service agent who identified himself as a program instructor, told the board, “The buses are a problem. We have a tin can with two doors that don’t lock, with drivers that aren’t trained as much as they should be, with 30 to 40 young kids on board.” He said the program gives drivers “options” and emphasized realistic, repetitive training to build muscle memory.

Co-presenter Jim Levine described the program’s origin in 2015, when he approached a transportation director after learning drivers had no active‑threat training. Levine said START adapted concepts from ALICE but retooled them specifically for buses, where drivers’ options are limited. Presenters said the course includes live scenarios on a school bus and classroom modules on threat indicators.

District staff said the price tag for the district’s group was “about $10,000,” and that the Revere Local Education Foundation has agreed to cover roughly half; Transportation Supervisor AJ is prepared to request the remaining approximately $5,000 in the district’s upcoming budget. Staff also said dates are on hold with the trainers but that the district is not contractually committed and can defer if the board wants more time.

Board members pressed on sustainability and refresher training for new drivers. Presenters said the program includes a one‑year refresher after the initial eight‑hour session and outlined partnerships with regional educational service centers to host new‑driver sessions. Presenters also said the program can include aides, substitutes and SROs to improve communication between drivers and building administrators.

No formal board action to contract for the training was taken at the meeting; staff said they will proceed only with further administrative or board direction and with budget adjustments if necessary.