Bus Driver

Bus Driver

Position is responsible for operating a school bus and transporting school-aged children and other authorized personnel safely and efficiently over specified routes to and from schools and various activities. Position conducts pre-trip inspections; observes safety regulations and policies; enforces student discipline on the bus; and performs related work.

Illustration of Key Responsibilities and Job Duties:

• Communicate with the Transportation Director for any changes in normal duties or new student passengers, including communicating orally while the bus is in motion when needed.
• Ensure the bus can be operated safely before driving and conduct pre-trip safety inspections as required by federal and state laws to include observing visual defects and checking operating systems to include brakes, horn, lights, emergency flashers, extended stop arms, and door-opening devices.
• Operate the vehicle safely over an assigned route, picking up and delivering only authorized students at assigned bus stops, and watches to ensure that no one hurrying for the bus is left behind.
• Keep assigned time schedules, which may require driving during pre-day light and dusk periods, and make every effort to be on time while ensuring safety.
• Obey all traffic laws and transportation practices as outlined in the CDL manual, School Board Policy and local ordinances.
• Observe all mandatory safety regulations for school buses and keeps all emergency exits clear of obstructions.
• Secure wheelchairs, car seats, and other restraining devices on the bus as needed.
• Maintain student discipline on the bus and enforces rules governing student conduct, including through oral communication when the bus is in motion.
• Report undisciplined students to the proper authority and compile written reports as requested.
• Conduct semi-annual bus evacuation drills as required by the Department of Education and implements evacuations as required in an emergency to include safely exiting from the rear of the school bus.
• Report all accidents immediately, requesting police or ambulance service as needed; assist injured persons until services arrive; and complete required accident reports.
• Notify the proper authority in cases of mechanical failure, safety deficiencies, when off schedule, or other incidents.
• Regulate heating, cooling, and ventilating equipment provided on the bus for the comfort of passengers.
• Drive students and teachers on field trips, extracurricular activities, and other special events, often in evenings and at night, as assigned.
• Exercise responsible leadership and appropriate behavior when on out-of-division school trips.
• Return the bus to the assigned bus lot, perform a final inspection, and secure the bus according to procedures.
• Participate in all required training.
• Submit to drug testing when required.
• Maintain a commercial driver's license as required by the State Department of Transportation and maintain Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification.
• Hear and communicate orally with students when the bus is in motion. Communicate via cell phone orally with the transportation director and nurses when the bus is pulled over in a safe location and not in motion. Communicate effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-workers.
• Model nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
• Keep the assigned bus clean.
• Maintain an assigned seating chart.
• Report all safety violations to include co-workers/personnel suspected of drinking alcohol or under the influence of drugs (to include over-the-counter drugs) while working.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the transportation director or other appropriate administrator

Special Assignments: Bus drivers may be assigned other duties relevant to his/her assignment not specifically listed in this position guide.

Organizational Relationships: Bus drivers will report to the transportation director. Bus drivers must be viewed as a professional responsibility and all of the duties of the assignment must be conducted in adherence with the policies, rules, and regulations of the Bald Knob Public Schools Student Handbook and school board policies.

Position Holder Qualifications:

• Hold a valid high school diploma or GED.
• Possess a valid commercial driver's license with air brakes to operate a school bus and pass background and fingerprint checks.
• Meet the mandated physical and mental requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association. The district is not permitted to employ individuals that do not meet these standards.
• Obtain basic first aid and CPR certification or must acquire such prior to the completion of the division's classroom training course.
• Excellent driving record in compliance with division standards, excellent driving skills, and must successfully complete the school division's bus driver training course.
• Knowledge of procedures and federal/state laws governing the safe operation of a school bus prior to the completion of the division's training course.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to accurately and quickly learn, local street and road systems.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to accurately and quickly learn, how to properly secure a wheelchair, car seat, and other restraining devices on a school bus.
• Ability to maintain student discipline and ensure that student behavior is not a distraction to safe driving.
• Ability to recognize and report any unsafe act or condition.
• Remain in compliance with state/division regulations regarding the use of controlled substances and alcohol as applied to school bus drivers.
• Capable of working independently and possess the ability to understand and follow through on oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and positively with students, parents, and faculty.

Employee Evaluation: Bus drivers will be evaluated by the Transportation Director according to District policy and Arkansas law for classified employees.