Kent ISD — With the goal of helping local school bus drivers to prevent, avoid and deal with unexpected violence and threats, Kent ISD will be hosting a Proactive Response Training for all school bus drivers July 24.
The free training, developed by West Shore Educational Service District Transportation Director Katrina Morris, will be held at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, 600 Forest Hills Ave. SE. The registration deadline is July 14.
Region 1 Emergency Coordinator John Wittkowski said there have not been any serious bus incidents in the Kent ISD region; however, earlier in the year, a non-student attempted to board a bus in order to flee law enforcement. That situation was resolved without incident, Wittkowski said.
That situation was a factor in Kent ISD safety staff deciding to host the training, Wittkowski said. The class will focus on how to deescalate a situation, deal with acts of violence and handle other incidents involving students, parents and community members, he said.
The training is open to all bus drivers in the Kent ISD region, including drivers for Dean Transportation. Those who attend the course may count the hours toward continuing education requirements.
The Proactive Response Training is sponsored by Dean Transportation, Forest Hills Public Schools, West Shore ESD and Kent ISD.
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