School Bus Driver

Local District Classification Plan

Class Code: 7941

Class Title: Bus Driver

Basic Function:

Operate a school bus over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, picking up and discharging students; provide safe and efficient transportation for District students to and from school, special events and field trips; perform daily inspections and operator maintenance of vehicle; assist in the loading and unloading of physically and mentally handicapped students as necessary.

Representative Duties:

• Drive a school bus over designated routes in accordance with specified time schedules and in accordance with regulations and laws related to pupil transportation in the State following specified schedules; transport students to and from school, special events and field trips.
• Pick up and discharge students, under varying weather conditions, at established bus stops; report incidents which affect the safety of students.
• Maintain bus in a safe operating condition through prescribed daily vehicle inspections and driver maintenance including cleaning windows, mirrors and bus interior; check and maintain fuel, oil and water levels; check brakes, brake lights and doors; report mechanical defects and malfunctions to appropriate personnel.
• Maintain order and discipline among students on bus following District policies and procedures regarding disciplining of students and contact with school officials, parents and the public; interact with parents regarding questions, concerns and disputes.
• Perform emergency bus evacuation drills as required by Kentucky Administration Regulations.
• Transport physically handicapped and mentally handicapped children to and from designated locations; lift and secure wheel chairs; assist in the loading and unloading of handicapped children as necessary.
• Observe applicable local, state and federal policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Fuel and clean exterior and interior of buses including picking up debris, sweeping and mopping floor, wiping upholstery and cleaning headlights.
• Maintain records concerning vehicle maintenance, miles driven and number of children transported and other related matters; prepare student conduct, incident and accident reports.
• Attend safety and preventive emergency meetings when required.
• Utilize two-way radio for bus to bus and bus to base communication.
• Perform first aid according to established guidelines and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Safe driving practices.
• Provisions of the State Motor Vehicle code and Kentucky Administrative Regulations applicable to the operation of vehicles transporting students.
• First aid practices.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Operate a school bus over designated routes in accordance with time schedules, pickling up and discharging students.
• Maintain order and discipline among students while driving a school bus.
• Maintain assigned vehicle in a clean and safe operating condition.
• Recognize equipment malfunctions and take appropriate action.
• Learn designated bus routes including stops and traffic hazards.
• Maintain routine records.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Learn, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Assist in loading and unloading handicapped children as necessary.

Education and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma, G.E.D. Certificate or demonstrated progress toward obtaining a G.E.D. as required by Kentucky law and one year experience in the operation of a motor vehicle.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

Valid Kentucky Commercial Class B driver's license, including passenger endorsement; School Bus Certificate; must pass driving record check.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Personnel.