Director of Transportation

Director of Transportation Location: Westfield Washington Schools – Transportation Center Position Type: Administration Contract: 247-Day Administrative Contract FLSA Status: Exempt Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Salary: $105,000 – $135,000 Position Summary The Director of Transportation serves as a visionary leader and operational expert, advancing safe, proactive, and student-centered transportation services for all PK–12 learners in Westfield Washington Schools. This role is central to the success of the district's new, state-of-the-art Transportation Center, a modern hub designed to support efficiency, safety, and exceptional service for students, families, and staff ( With responsibility for both strategic direction and daily operations, the Director ensures that transportation services are reliable, cost-effective, and fully compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations. The position oversees all aspects of the department, including routing, fleet management, staffing, safety systems, and budgeting, while directing setup for and leveraging the capabilities within the new Transportation Center to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. As the district's lead authority on student transportation, the Director fosters a culture of safety, accountability, and forward-thinking. This includes implementing proactive best practices, enhancing transportation communication systems, and fostering a positive, supportive work environment for transportation staff. The Director collaborates with district leadership, school administrators, families, and community partners to ensure that every student's journey to and from school is safe, reliable, and aligned with the district's mission of educational excellence. Alignment with WWS Mission, Vision, and Values The Director of Transportation supports and advances the Westfield Washington Schools' mission, vision, and strategic priorities through leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to safe and equitable student access to education. Ensures reliable and efficient transportation systems that support student attendance and readiness to learn. Promotes equitable access to educational opportunities through effective routing and service delivery. Aligns transportation operations with district strategic priorities and continuous improvement efforts. Creates a safe, supportive transportation environment focused on student care and professionalism. Empowers transportation staff through leadership support, clear expectations, and professional growth opportunities. Promotes teamwork and positive daily interactions, strengthening school culture. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leadership and Department Management Develop and implement short- and long-range transportation strategic plans aligned with district goals. Establish measurable department objectives and monitor progress toward performance outcomes. Supervise bus drivers, monitors, dispatchers, mechanics, and transportation support staff. Foster a positive workplace climate through respectful communication and staff engagement. Establish performance expectations and accountability systems for transportation employees. Implement recruitment and retention strategies to maintain a stable workforce. Oversee onboarding, mentoring, and professional development aligned with department goals. Ensure systematic annual evaluations for all transportation staff. Delegate responsibilities effectively while maintaining accountability for outcomes. Operational Oversight and Efficiency Direct daily transportation operations, including routing, scheduling, dispatch, and service delivery. Utilize routing software, GPS systems, and transportation technology to improve efficiency. Analyze operational data to improve routes, reduce ride times, and enhance on-time performance. Monitor arrival, dismissal, and ride-time performance metrics and implement adjustments. Prepare and present transportation performance reports to district administration. Collaborate with school administrators to meet student-specific transportation needs. Ensure operational continuity and communication to families during emergencies, inclement weather, or service disruptions. Financial and Resource Management Develop and manage the transportation department budget. Monitor expenditures related to staffing, fuel, fleet maintenance, and contracted services. Analyze financial data to identify cost‑saving opportunities and efficiencies. Oversee fleet replacement planning and long‑term capital forecasting. Ensure responsible stewardship of district resources. Fleet Management Ensures preventative maintenance programs focused on proactive fleet reliability. Monitor vehicle maintenance schedules, repair histories, and fuel usage. Ensure all vehicles meet or exceed state inspection standards. Coordinate vehicle procurement and lifecycle planning. Maintain accurate fleet and maintenance documentation. Safety and Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local transportation regulations. Maintain systems ensuring driver licensing, certification, and background check compliance. Coordinate required student transportation safety instruction and evacuation drills. Develop ongoing employee safety training programs. Investigate incidents and accidents and implement preventative and corrective actions. Maintain systems for documenting and resolving transportation-related incidents. Monitor accident trends and provide retraining and improvement strategies. Communication and Collaboration Serve as liaison between transportation services, schools, families, and community stakeholders. Respond promptly and professionally to parent and community concerns. Maintain consistent communication with building administrators regarding delays and safety issues. Collaborate with district leadership and departments to support student services. Communicate department goals and expectations clearly to staff. Provide proactive updates and recommendations to the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations. Personnel Leadership and Culture Promote a respectful, collaborative, and solutions-focused departmental culture. Utilize staff feedback to improve workplace climate and operations. Model district values in all interactions. Support employee growth through coaching and leadership development. Additional Responsibilities Participate in administrative meetings and district initiatives. Support district emergency response and crisis management planning. Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations or Superintendent. Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in education, business administration, public administration, logistics, transportation management, or related field required. Master's degree in a related field preferred. Licensure and Certifications Valid Indiana driver's license required. CDL with appropriate endorsements preferred or ability to obtain. Indiana State School Bus Safety Certification preferred or ability to obtain. IASBO Transportation Director Certification preferred or ability to obtain. Experience Administrative, supervisory, and leadership experience required. Experience with routing or fleet management systems preferred. Experience in school transportation, logistics, or operations management preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong organizational and operational leadership skills. Knowledge of student transportation laws and safety standards. Ability to analyze operational and financial data. Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to lead large and diverse employee groups. Commitment to continuous improvement and customer service excellence. Working Conditions 247-day administrative contract. Early morning and occasional evening hours required. Extended hours during emergencies, inclement weather, or special events. Equal Opportunity Employer Westfield Washington Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and Indiana employment laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr WESTFIELD WASHINGTON SCHOOLS