School Bus Driver

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license for three years immediately prior to the date of their application, which has not been revoked, suspended, cancelled, or disqualified.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with required Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements. Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.
• Must obtain and maintain all required Illinois school bus driver permits, certifications, and annual requirements.
• Must pass required background checks, physical examination, drug/alcohol screening, and driving record review.
• Must maintain a clean and acceptable driving record as determined by the District and applicable law.
• Must complete all required District, state, and federal training programs before transporting students independently.
• Must be able to work a split-shift schedule, including morning and afternoon routes, with additional assignments as needed.
• Must be available for field trips, athletic trips, activity trips, summer school, and other transportation assignments as approved by the District.
• Must demonstrate reliability, punctuality, sound judgment, and the ability to respond appropriately during emergency situations.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and respectfully with students, staff, families, and transportation personnel.
• Must demonstrate the ability to manage student behavior in a safe, calm, and professional manner.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma
• Valid state driver's license
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger and School Bus endorsements
• Valid school bus driver permit

JOB GOALS

To safely and reliably transport students to and from school, activities, and district-approved events while maintaining a safe, respectful, and orderly bus environment. The School Bus Driver supports the District’s commitment to student safety, timely transportation, professional communication, and excellent service to students, families, schools, and the community.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ***Other duties may be assigned.

The School Bus Driver shall perform duties and responsibilities including, but not limited to, the following:

• Safely transport students to and from school, bus stops, field trips, athletic events, activity trips, summer school, and other District-approved events.
• Operate the school bus in accordance with all federal, state, local, and District transportation laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as the CDL manual.
• Be knowledgeable of and adhere to the law, including but not limited to, the Illinois School Code, State Board of Education rules and regulations, School Board policies and procedures, all laws and rules in the safe and legal operation of a school bus, and contractual obligations, where applicable.
• Operates the vehicle safely over an assigned route, picking up and delivering only authorized students at assigned bus stops and in a timely manner, and watches to ensure that no one hurrying for the bus is left behind.
• Maintain the safety and welfare of all students and passengers while entering, riding, and exiting the bus.
• Assist students with boarding and exiting the bus when needed.
• Maintain order and appropriate student behavior on the bus using a calm, professional, and student-centered approach.
• Remains on a school bus at all times while children are on board, unless there is another adult supervisor present on the bus. Exception to this is when operating a wheelchair lift; any other times with permission from dispatch or the appropriate supervisor.
• Report student behavior concerns, safety concerns, incidents, accidents, or route concerns to the appropriate supervisor in a timely manner.
• Regulate heating and cooling equipment and ventilation of bus for comfort of passengers.
• Report accidents immediately via radio to dispatch, requesting emergency services as needed. Assist injured individuals until first responders arrive at the scene.
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections before and after each route to ensure the vehicle is safe for operation.
• Recognize and report any mechanical concerns, maintenance needs, safety defects, or damage to the bus immediately to the appropriate supervisor.
• Complete and submit required transportation records, including pre-trip inspection reports, mileage reports, incident reports, student referrals, and other assigned documentation.
• Keep the bus clean, orderly, and professional in appearance.
• Keeps all emergency exits clear of obstructions.
• Fuel the bus as needed and follow District procedures for fuel usage and reporting.
• Attend required safety meetings, trainings, refresher courses, evacuation drills, and professional development sessions.
• Conduct or assist with bus evacuation drills as required by law and District procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, routes, and District information according to District policy and state and federal laws.
• Communicate professionally with students, parents/guardians, school staff, administrators, transportation staff, and community members.
• Follow all procedures related to student safety checks, including confirming the bus is empty after routes.
• Use assigned communication equipment, GPS, radios, tablets, cameras, or transportation technology in accordance with District procedures.
• Return the bus to the assigned parking area and secure the bus according to District procedures.
• Maintain all required licenses, permits, endorsements, certifications, medical documentation, and training requirements.
• Report all non-parking traffic violations (including those received when driving a personal vehicle) to the appropriate supervisor within 30 days of receiving such conviction as required by federal law.
• Notify the appropriate supervisor no later than the end of the next business day after receiving notice of any suspension, revocation, cancellation, loss of driving privileges, or disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle as required by federal law. Loss of driving privileges prevents the employee from operating district vehicles.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Transportation Coordinator, Transportation Supervisor, Director of Business Services and Transportation, Transportation Safety & Compliance Manager, or designee.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated by the Safety Compliance Manager in accordance with District procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, see, use hands and feet to operate a school bus, and monitor traffic and student activity. The employee may be required to stand, walk, bend, reach, climb, kneel, assist students, conduct vehicle inspections, and respond to emergency situations. The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds and work in varying weather conditions. The employee must meet all physical and medical requirements necessary to maintain required licensure, certification, and school bus driver eligibility.

Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person