In response to worldwide acts of violence involving school children, the three national associations (NAPT, NASDPTS and NSTA), as members of the American School Bus Council (ASBC), are working with the Transportation Security Administration's First Observer™ program. Total Security Services International, Inc. (TSSI) is the First Observer team member responsible for leading the development and implementation of a program of Security Training for School Transportation. The program, entitled SCHOOL BUS FIRST OBSERVER, will be finalized and available in June, 2009.

TSSI will make arrangements at no cost for a Master Trainer to provide “Train-the-Trainer Training” (TTT) for states, state associations, contractor associations or other groups that can arrange for a minimum of 12 trainers to be certified. Contact Sam Beatty at TSSI: (240)450-1675 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

During the initial phase, TSSI will also provide, at no cost, a master trainer for end user training (drivers, monitors, technicians, office staff, etc.) for large groups of 250-300 or more employees on a first-come, first-served basis.

TTT and end user training sessions will be available beginning June 8, 2009. An on-line training module will be available later in the year.

TTT sessions are scheduled as follows:

• July 14-15, 2009 Shreveport , Louisiana at the Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference: contact June Eanes, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• July 18, 2009 Greensboro , North Carolina at the NSTA Conference and International School Bus Safety Competition: contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• July 29, 2009 Reno , Nevada at the School Transportation News Expo: contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

School transportation personnel who have already completed a nationally recognized anti-terrorism / security training curriculum (e.g., FMCSA's General Security Awareness Training, School Bus Watch, School Transportation Security Awareness (STSA), etc.) are eligible for First Observer registration. Individuals or employers should contact TSSI at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The First Observer Call Center is active 24/7 and receiving reports about potential security threats at 1-888-217-5902. Additional information on School Bus First Observer is available online at www.FirstObserver.com.