Conference covers potential security threats

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 55th Annual Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference (SESPTC) drew delegates from 14 states to discuss pressing safety, security and regulatory issues.

Charlie Gauthier, executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), presented the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) safety recommendations for emergency evacuations.

The report was in response to the accident investigation of the Omaha, Neb., incident in 2001, in which a school bus with 27 students aboard plunged 49 feet off a bridge into a creek. Most of the students had not received emergency evacuation training.

NTSB, in conjunction with NASDPTS, recommended that states require pre-trip briefings at least once each school semester before school-related activity trips on school buses or school-chartered buses. NTSB also recommended that NASDPTS assist states in developing criteria for such briefings, including training all students on the location and use of emergency exits. NTSB's recommendations are available in a report called "Emergency Evacuation Training — School Activity Trips" at www.nasdpts.org.

Gauthier collaborated with Mike Martin, executive director of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), and Steven Harris, school safety unit manager at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), on a presentation called Pupil Transportation System Security.

Gauthier outlined the objectives of terrorists — how they research and practice their acts, seek out emotional targets and draw media attention.

"Drivers, technicians, administrators, managers — all levels of pupil transportation, including national and state associations, must work together and individually to prevent terrorist acts," Gauthier said.

NAPT's Martin gave an update on efforts to secure funding from the Transportation Security Administration. "Eighty-four percent of the organization's funding goes to airport security, while zero dollars go to pupil transportation," he said.

Meanwhile, Martin highlighted areas in which pupil transportation is being proactive. For instance, the School Bus Watch program will train the nation's school bus drivers to identify and react to potential terrorist threats. The program, provided free of charge to school bus drivers, is a collaborative effort by NAPT, NASDPTS, the National School Transportation Association and Highway Watch.

GEMA's Harris wrapped up the session by discussing site-assessment tools that help protect operations against terrorism.

Other sessions included a roundtable discussion on hybrid-electric school buses, a forum on hurricane preparedness and response, and a workshop on managing difficult students.

Delegates toured manufacturing plants owned by Thomas Built Buses and Specialty Mfg., and enjoyed school bus racing at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Thomas Built Buses sponsored the event.

Although several delegates from southern states were unable to attend because of Hurricane Dennis, the conference was well attended. Approximately 210 delegates and 180 vendors were present.

Next year's conference is scheduled to take place in Hampton, Va., from July 16 to 19.