TOPEKA, Kans. (April 28, 2008) — This June, the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association and the Kansas State Department of Education will host the 23rd "School Bus Driver Instructor Training Course."

The week-long series aims to equip district, contractor and Head Start personnel with the skills they need to conduct a systematic program for training school bus drivers.

Richard Fischer, president of Trans-Consult, will present the driver and driver instructor courses. The course will focus on improving driver skills and decreasing liability. Larry Bluthardt, Kansas director of pupil transportation, will review Kansas school transportation regulations with attendees.

Advanced courses, held June 29 thru July 3, will take up where the basic course left off, with more classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction and attendees will receive an advanced instructor manual.

KSPTA and the Kansas State Department of Education were requesting attendees sign up early. If there are not enough people registered by June 2, classes would be canceled.