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.