Position Title:

School Bus Driver

Reports To: 

Director of Transportation

Job Objectives

Provides for the safe, efficient, and courteous transportation of students.  Keeps the transportation director informed 

about bus activities and emerging issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• Documented evidence of a clear criminal record.
• Meets qualifications defined in the current Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation & Safety Rules, and school board policy.
• Completion of the Ohio Pre-Service School Bus Driver Training Program.
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a school bus endorsement and a satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.
• Satisfactory pre-employment and ongoing random drug tests results.
• Ability to physically manage students with disabilities.
• Ability to anticipate and deal with stressful traffic and weather conditions.
• Demonstrates maturity and the ability to work with students and their families.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions: The following duties are representative of performance expectations. A reasonable qualification can be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Operates the bus according to all motor vehicle laws.  Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures.
• Practices defensive driving techniques.  Maintains established routes and time schedules.  Note: Safety is the top priority, even if delays disrupt the bus schedule.
• Transports only authorized passengers, picking up and unloading students exclusively at designated stops. Maintains accurate route sheets by submitting written requests for route changes and implements these changes only upon approval.
• Maintains accurate and current seating charts in Bus Conduct, ensuring a copy is always available in the red binder on the school bus. Additionally, an up-to-date route sheet must accompany the seating chart at all times.
• Performs accurate and detailed pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections.  Checks fire, emergency equipment, and first aid supplies.  Prepares written inspection reports.
• Offers help when students ask for it, or their behavior suggests they need assistance.  Allows students to seek their highest degree of independence.
• Supervises bus loading and unloading procedures.  Operates the wheelchair lift.  Ensures that wheelchairs are properly secured before the bus starts.
• Inspects harnesses, restraints, and other safety devices.  Immediately corrects or reports unsafe conditions and/or defective equipment.
• Anticipates and is prepared to offer assistance when aware of passengers with medical or other health considerations.
• Monitors student behavior.  Enforces safety regulations.  Maintains high standards for student conduct.  Upholds the student conduct code. 
• Promotes the proper use and care of school property.  Keeps detailed notes on student issues and behaviors. Reports student discipline problems, vandalism, or other related concerns to the Transportation Director through the use of the Bus Conduct program.
• Assumes responsibility for the interior/exterior cleanliness of board-issued vehicles.
• Participates in the district’s bus safety program as directed.
• Reports vehicles that fail to comply with traffic regulations (e.g., failure to stop for flashing bus lights, passing in prohibited zones, etc.).
• Uses proper protocol when operating bus communication equipment.
• Immediately reports all traffic citations and accidents.  Promptly documents all injuries that require a medical referral.
• Reports road hazards along the bus route to the transportation director.
• Conducts emergency evacuation drills that comply with current state standards.
• Reports equipment malfunctions in writing.
• Fuels the vehicle and maintains fluid levels (e.g., oil, windshield washer, brake, transmission, etc.).  Documents gas consumption and mileage.
• Shares in the responsibility for authorized field trips. Remains available to teachers and students during the trip.
• Promotes a positive image of the transportation department.  Wears appropriate work attire and maintains a neat appearance.
• Participates in training necessary to maintain a commercial driver’s license.
• Participates in staff meetings and professional growth activities as directed.
• Checks mailboxes, school-issued email accounts, and message boards before and after each route.
• Utilizes navigation devices and other electronic equipment as assigned.

Other Duties and Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures.
• Promotes a favorable image of the school district.
• Respects personal privacy.  Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse as required by law.
• Takes precautions to ensure student safety.  Does not leave students unsupervised.  Reports unauthorized persons or suspicious circumstances immediately.
• Supervises non-classroom activities when assigned.
• Participates in after-school programs (e.g. Back-to-School Bash, open houses, etc.) as directed. 
• Complete required training by appropriate deadlines (Vector, Gifted, Science of Reading, etc.)
• Accepts responsibility for personal decisions and conduct.  Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities Required: The following aptitudes and physical skills are essential for the successful performance of assigned duties.

• Demonstrates professionalism and maintains a positive work attitude.
• Carries out prescribed activities efficiently with limited supervision.
• Communicates effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Works cooperatively to support a successful team effort.
• Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Lifts, carries, and/or moves bus supplies and equipment.
• Climbs and works from a ladder or other equipment that requires balancing skills.
• Works in confined spaces that may limit physical movement.
• Performs activities that require reaching, crouching, kneeling, and/or crawling.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments.

(Additional) Working Conditions: Exposure to the following situations may range from remote to frequent, depending on circumstances and factors that are not predictable.

• Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Exposure to wet floors, kitchen temperatures, vapors, and odors.
• Exposure to loud noises and equipment vibrations.
• Duties require operating kitchen equipment and exposure to electrical hazards.
• Duties may require wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment.
• Duties may require detailed paperwork.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Duties may require working during the evening and/or weekend.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Under the direction of the transportation director: provides instructions and communicates expectations to assigned

staff, temporary employees, and trainees.  Monitors and helps assigned staff successfully accomplish delegated duties.

Performance Evaluations

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy provisions adopted by the Fostoria City School District Board of

Education.