School Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

Franklin Special District seeks top talent committed to fostering student success through a supportive, inclusive work environment. With competitive benefits and a best-in-class work culture, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Our mission is to attract professionals who bring creativity, dedication, and a student-centered approach to their roles, supporting a diverse community and helping prepare every student for lifelong achievement. We're focused on building a team that values excellence, making a meaningful impact on our schools and community.

The School Bus Driver ensures the safe and timely transportation of students to and from school, field trips, and extracurricular activities following designated routes and schedules. This role requires strict adherence to safety regulations, effective student management, and regular vehicle inspections to maintain a secure transportation environment.

Essential Functions:

• Student Safety & Transportation
• Operate a school bus safely along assigned routes and schedules.
• Ensure students board and exit the bus safely at designated stops.
• Follow proper procedures at railroad crossings and intersections.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle is in safe operating condition.
• Train students on bus safety, including proper behavior, emergency procedures, and safe entry/exit practices.
• Follow established walkthrough protocols to ensure all students have exited the bus at the end of each route.

• Student Supervision & Conduct
• Maintain appropriate student behavior on the bus, reinforcing district policies.
• Address minor behavioral issues and report misconduct to school administrators or designated personnel as needed.
• Maintain student confidentiality and comply with FERPA regulations.

• Vehicle Maintenance & Reporting
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections, checking for mechanical issues, safety hazards, and cleanliness.
• Maintain a clean and safe bus interior by conducting routine cleaning and sanitization.
• Report any mechanical concerns, accidents, or needed repairs promptly to the Transportation Supervisor.
• Keep accurate records of mileage, incidents, and vehicle maintenance.

Compliance & Professional Development:

• Attend and complete all state-mandated annual training programs.
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to student safety, emergency preparedness, and district policies.
• Submit to pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per federal and state regulations.
• Comply with all state and federal traffic laws, including those governing school buses, railroad crossings, and loading/unloading procedures.
• Adhere to all district policies and procedures regarding student transportation.

Federal and State Regulations:

• Provide an annual health examination (TCA 49-6-2108)
• Attend annual state-mandated training program
• Refrain from using mobile phones/electronic devices while operating a bus (loaded or unloaded) (TCA 55-8-192)
• Drop students only at their assigned stop unless written permission from parent/guardian is provided (TCA 49-6-2118)
• Obey all state/federal traffic laws and railroad crossing laws and regulations
• Use eight-way system while loading/unloading at schools unless secure area (TCA 55-8-151)

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be at least 25 years old.
• Valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must pass a background check, annual physical examination, and required drug/alcohol screenings.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Prolonged sitting while operating a school bus.
• Occasional bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting.
• Frequent light lifting (less than 15 pounds); occasional moderate lifting (less than 50 pounds).
• Ability to work in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• May be required to work extended or irregular hours based on school needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Franklin Special District (FSD) is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. FSD is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our community and promotes equity for all. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FSD provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Current or prospective employees are encouraged to discuss accommodation needs with Human Resources.