EAST NEWTON R-VI SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Description: School Bus Driver

 

Position Classification

• Position: School Bus Driver
• Classification: Classified / Non-Exempt
• Location: Transportation Department
• Reports To: Director of Transportation
• Supervisory Responsibilities: None
• Term: 9-month position (school year). New drivers may begin as substitutes with the opportunity for regular routes as available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Valid Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (Class B or higher) with passenger and school bus endorsements.
• Ability to meet and maintain DOT physical and drug testing requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective interaction with students, parents, and staff.
• Demonstrated ethical behavior, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Job Goal

• Provide safe, efficient, and courteous transportation for students to and from school and school-sponsored activities to support the full benefit of the district’s instructional and extracurricular programs.

General Expectations

• Support the mission and values of East Newton R-VI School District.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard student privacy.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, colleagues, and community members.
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service.
• React productively to change and follow district and state guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records for accountability and audits.
• Participate in required training and professional development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate a school bus safely along designated routes and schedules; observe all traffic and safety laws.
• Pick up and discharge students at authorized stops; transport only authorized passengers.
• Maintain student discipline and order on the bus and at bus stops according to district policies.
• Conduct required daily pre- and post-trip inspections of the bus; report mechanical issues promptly.
• Keep the bus clean, orderly, and free of debris; use proper techniques for cleaning and disposing of fluids.
• Report all accidents, injuries, delays, or trespassing incidents immediately to the Director of Transportation.
• Administer first aid and take appropriate action in emergency situations as required.
• Utilize two-way radios for communication between buses and base.
• Attend required in-service training and safety meetings.
• Exercise responsible leadership on activity trips and meet scheduled departure times.
• Notify the Director of Transportation promptly in cases of absence or lateness to allow for substitute coverage.
• Refrain from eating, drinking (except bottled water), tobacco use, or cell-phone use while driving.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned by the Director of Transportation.

Physical Demands

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Frequently bend, twist, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Occasionally lift up to 75 pounds.
• Use close, distance, and peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Work Conditions and Environment

• Frequent exposure to temperatures below 32°F and above 100°F.
• Occasional exposure to rain, sleet, or icy conditions.
• Work in environments with high noise levels, including engine noise and groups of children.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Terms of Employment

• Employment for the school year (9 months).
• Salary and assignment determined by the Superintendent and Board of Education.

Evaluation

• Performance will be evaluated annually by the Director of Transportation in accordance with district policy.

Additional Information

• Training toward obtaining a CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements may be available.
• Substitute drivers may be considered for regular routes as openings occur.