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STS Highlights: August 2026

Back to School

STS Highlights: August 2026

As a new school year begins, transportation teams are preparing for changing routes, increased traffic, and a continued commitment to student safety. In this month’s STS Highlights, we are sharing resources to help districts strengthen driver readiness, address workforce challenges, complete annual training, and raise awareness about motorists illegally passing stopped school buses.

We also highlight flexible online Hazmat ELDT theory training and the ways Smart Horizons can help organizations create custom courseware and training plans around their specific needs. For a quick break from the demands of the school year, discover how an amateur astronomer’s curiosity and Google Maps led to the confirmation of a 390-million-year-old meteorite crater.

Here’s to a safe and successful school year,

    Patrick

Patrick Willi



School Bus

Supporting Drivers and Operations

Keeping school bus drivers trained and ready isn’t just about meeting requirements. It’s about maintaining safe, reliable transportation for your students every day. Our theory options offer flexible, online training built specifically for school bus drivers and transportation teams. Whether you’re onboarding new drivers or supporting experienced staff, our programs are designed to fit your schedule without disrupting operations.

Explore School Training Solutions


Online Training Concept

We Don’t Just Deliver Training—We Build It With You

At Smart Horizons, we are your dedicated courseware development partner. Our experienced instructional designers and media professionals work hand-in-hand with subject matter experts to create custom, high-impact training solutions that fit your goals, timeline, and budget. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Let’s collaborate to develop training that truly reflects your organization’s needs.

Ready to create something powerful?


Team Training Concept

Now’s the Perfect Time to Tackle Annual Training!

Because we understand that one size doesn’t fit all, our Custom option allows you to choose the exact lessons your team needs. Whether you’re focusing on in-service, professional development, or building career ladders, you can tailor a training plan that aligns with your goals. Many districts even use these customized training plans as part of their promotion or wage increase criteria.

Create a Custom Training Plan


Truck carrying HAZMAT

Online ELDT Theory Training—HAZMAT

Before taking the Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement knowledge test, drivers must complete the required ELDT theory training. Our online, self-paced course meets FMCSA requirements, and completion is automatically reported to the Training Provider Registry. Complete your training anytime, anywhere, and move one step closer to adding the Hazmat endorsement to your CDL.

Enhance Your CDL


Map screenshot

Interesting: An Amateur Astronomer Finds Prehistoric Meteorite Crater

What began as a routine search for hiking routes on Google Maps led an amateur astronomer to a remarkable discovery. He noticed a strange, 15.5-mile-wide circular formation in northeastern Quebec that appeared to be a meteorite crater. Scientists later investigated the site and confirmed that the formation was created by a meteorite impact approximately 390 million years ago. Read how curiosity, technology, and careful observation helped uncover an ancient geological feature hidden in plain sight.

Discover the Crater


School buses

Challenges Facing Today’s School Bus Driver Workforce

School transportation departments across the country continue to face growing workforce challenges. As experienced drivers retire and recruitment becomes increasingly competitive, many districts are working to find ways to strengthen driver readiness, improve retention, and support long-term transportation operations.

School Training Solutions offers flexible online theory training designed to support school bus drivers and today’s evolving transportation workforce.

Strengthen Driver Readiness


Girl at the bus stop

School Bus Safety: Help Stop Illegal Passing

Motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses place students at serious risk while they are boarding or leaving the bus. As students return to school, increased traffic makes it especially important for drivers to remain alert and recognize school bus warning signals. Because stopping requirements vary by state and roadway, every motorist should understand the laws where they drive. Help raise awareness and protect students by sharing our free state-by-state guide to school bus stopping laws.

Know when to STOP Around School Buses


Posted in Blog on August 13th, 2026. No Comments.



WVAPT Debrief

Yellow School Bus
Thank You for Connecting at WVAPT 2026

One takeaway stood out above everything else at the WVAPT Conference: relationships matter.

One of the most rewarding parts of attending the conference was once again putting faces to names. Throughout the event, I had the opportunity to meet many people I had previously known only through phone calls or email. Time after time, those introductions were met with enthusiasm, excitement, and genuine warmth. It was a powerful reminder that while technology allows us to work efficiently across distances, nothing replaces meeting in person.

Thank you for taking the time to visit with me, ask questions, share your experiences, and learn more about our training solutions. Conversations like these help me better understand the challenges transportation professionals face and ensure we continue developing products that meet your needs.

If we didn’t have the opportunity to connect during the conference, I’d still love to hear from you. Simply reply to this email or contact me anytime.

Thank you again for making WVAPT 2026 such an enjoyable and memorable event. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of your conference and look forward to working with you throughout the coming year. I hope to see you again at next year’s conference!

Patrick Willi

Best regards,

Patrick Willi
School Training Solutions
800-261-6248 Customer Support
pwilli@schooltrainingsolutions.com

Posted in Blog on August 4th, 2026. No Comments.



STS Highlights: July 2026

Welcome Sweet Summer

STS Highlights: July 2026

The countdown to a new school year has begun. For transportation departments, the summer months provide an important opportunity to prepare drivers, complete required training, strengthen operations, and ensure teams are ready to safely transport students on day one. The work completed now can have a lasting impact throughout the entire school year.

This month, we’re sharing resources focused on driver readiness, workforce development, and flexible training solutions. From annual in-service planning and customized professional development programs to ELDT theory training and strategies for addressing workforce challenges, our goal is to help transportation leaders build stronger teams and safer operations. We also invite you to explore a fascinating Harvard Health article highlighting five surprising benefits of walking and the positive impact simple habits can have on overall health.

Engage in learning this summer,

    Patrick

Patrick Willi



Online Training Concept

We Don’t Just Deliver Training—We Build It With You

At Smart Horizons, we are your dedicated courseware development partner. Our experienced instructional designers and media professionals work hand-in-hand with subject matter experts to create custom, high-impact training solutions that fit your goals, timeline, and budget. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Let’s collaborate to develop training that truly reflects your organization’s needs.

Ready to create something powerful?


School Bus

Supporting Drivers and Operations

Keeping school bus drivers trained and ready isn’t just about meeting requirements. It’s about maintaining safe, reliable transportation for your students every day. Our theory options offer flexible, online training built specifically for school bus drivers and transportation teams. Whether you’re onboarding new drivers or supporting experienced staff, our programs are designed to fit your schedule without disrupting operations.

Explore School Training Solutions


Team Training Concept

Now’s the Perfect Time to Tackle Annual Training!

Because we understand that one size doesn’t fit all, our Custom option allows you to choose the exact lessons your team needs. Whether you’re focusing on in-service, professional development, or building career ladders, you can tailor a training plan that aligns with your goals. Many districts even use these customized training plans as part of their promotion or wage increase criteria.

Create a Custom Training Plan


Semi truck crossing an intersection

Online ELDT Theory Training—Available for Immediate Enrollment

For new drivers or those seeking additional endorsements, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a mandatory federal requirement. Smart Horizons, an approved Training Provider for ELDT Theory, offers fully online theory training tracks that meet all federal standards. Upon completion, all results are promptly reported to the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Enrollment is open now, and learners can begin immediately.

See All ELDT Theory Options


Messy unmade bed

Interesting: 5 surprising benefits of walking

The next time you have a check-up, don’t be surprised if your doctor hands you a prescription to walk. Yes, this simple activity that you’ve been doing since you were about a year old is now being touted as “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug,” in the words of Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read the entire article at Harvard Health Publishing.

Better Health Through Walking


School buses

Challenges Facing Today’s School Bus Driver Workforce

School transportation departments across the country continue to face growing workforce challenges. As experienced drivers retire and recruitment becomes increasingly competitive, many districts are working to find ways to strengthen driver readiness, improve retention, and support long-term transportation operations.

School Training Solutions offers flexible online theory training designed to support school bus drivers and today’s evolving transportation workforce.

Strengthen Driver Readiness


Posted in Blog on July 16th, 2026. No Comments.



OKAPT Conference Debrief

OKAPT Conference attendees

Thank You for Connecting with Us at OKAPT 2026
Keynote Speaker Jason Perez

The 50th Annual OKAPT Conference & Trade Show was a fantastic opportunity to connect with transportation professionals from across Oklahoma and beyond. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended, participated in presentations, and shared their insights throughout the week.

This year’s conference theme, “Driving the Force Forward,” highlighted the dedication and innovation that continue to shape student transportation. From discussions about driver recruitment and retention to evolving training requirements and safety initiatives, one thing was clear: transportation departments are committed to preparing for the future while continuing to provide safe and reliable service every day.

For 20 years, Smart Horizons School Training Solutions has proudly partnered with OKAPT to support the online certification course, an innovation in itself. Whether you are onboarding new drivers, maintaining compliance, providing annual in-service training, or meeting ELDT theory requirements, our programs are built to help districts train efficiently without sacrificing quality.

We appreciate everything you do to support students and communities across Oklahoma. We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping your team move forward with confidence.

Explore Online Training

OKAPT Training
P.O. Box 1626
Guthrie, OK 73044
405-514-4606

Patrick Willi
School Training Solutions
800-261-6248 Customer Support
pwilli@schooltrainingsolutions.com

Posted in Blog on July 2nd, 2026. No Comments.



ELDT School Bus Endorsement Theory Training – Online

School bus on the highway
Work on a School Bus (S) Endorsement with Online ELDT Theory Training
Child boarding a school bus

Smart Horizons is serving Utah via Contract #MA4886 to provide Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory!

Ready to add a School Bus (S) Endorsement to your CDL? Our Smart Horizons ELDT Theory Course streamlines the process.

As an FMCSA-approved Training Provider, we meet federal ELDT requirements. Once you complete the theory course, your record is automatically submitted to the Training Provider Registry (TPR), keeping you compliant and ready for the next step.

To qualify for an S Endorsement, drivers must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Pass a DOT medical exam
  • Complete fingerprinting
  • Clear a TSA background check

With Smart Horizons, you can complete the theory training requirement online, on your schedule, and be fully prepared for behind-the-wheel instruction and the skills test.

📩 Questions? We’re here to help!

👉 Forward this email to anyone who could benefit from this training.

Online curriculum tracks and individual lessons are also available without TPR reporting.

S Endorsement Theory Other ELDT Training Contact Us

Stay safe and drive smart,

Patrick Willi
850-475-4024 Office
800-261-6248 Customer Support
pdwilli@smarthorizons.org

Posted in Blog on June 30th, 2026. No Comments.



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