Job Title

Bus Driver

Qualifications

Mental alertness, neat personal appearance, good health, cooperativeness and dependability. This person must have sufficient dexterity to handle all equipment efficiently and safely. Must be able to exercise judgment and initiative in maintaining standards of job responsibilities.

The individual must possess a valid driver’s license and CDL, and have a good driving record as well. The person must be physically fit in order to successfully discharge duties of the position. This person must be willing to assist others when necessary. The driver must maintain and care for the bus he/she drives. It is one of the District’s most expensive assets.

Reports to:

Head Bus Driver/ Mechanic  

Primary goal of Bus Driver

The goal of Bus driver is to safely transport students to and from school.  This person must be able to get along with coworkers and others. This individual is one who is comfortable with students, and members of the general public. This person must genuinely like and care for students. This individual must be able to exercise judgment and initiative in maintaining standards of job responsibilities. The person must be organized and efficient.

Position Requirements and Responsibilities

1.Transportation Responsibilities  

1. Transport students to and from school.
2. Transport students and adults to extra curricular activities.
3. Maintain good public relations with the people of the Prairie Farm School District.
4. Keep the interior of the bus clean.
5. Check bus completely prior to each run:

• Lights
• Tires
• Fluids
• Seats
• Safety Equipment

6. Drivers are reminded to practice good safety; human lives are at risk when vehicles are operated in unsafe manners.
7. Permit no unauthorized no unqualified person to occupy the driver’s seat.

2. Student Behavior Management Responsibilities

1. Set appropriate example through personal behavior, cleanliness, and vocabulary which prompts respect and proper behavior from the students who are being transported.
2. Maintain positive public relations with the parents of the students transported.
3. Maintain appropriate discipline on the bus at all times. Require students to be seated at all times unit they are ready to exit.
4. Students are reminded to behave appropriately, refrain from behavior that runs contrary to school rules. Drivers are to be firm but fair.
5. When a disruption occurs, the bus driver is required to make a decision on what to do after an assessment of the disruption. The bus may be stopped and the school contacted.
6. Bus drivers are better to be proactive about student rules and discipline. Thus requires all drivers to spell out expectations and requirements prior to the beginning of each route.

3. Disciplining Students

When disciplining students, adhere to the following:

1. Speak with student(s) about concerns.
2. Assign student to a different seat if necessary.
3. Speak with administration when issues arise.
4. Make a written referral of serious incidents.
5. Administration will execute student discipline but may require the bus driver to attend student-parent conference as necessary.
6. Do not attempt to discipline a student when bus is in motion. Stop the bus immediately. Stopping the bus to discipline will send a strong message to all of the student riders that poor behavior will not be tolerated.
7. Do not personalize and argue with students.
8. Always avoid humiliation and power struggles.

4. Route Responsibilities

1. Maintain an appropriate and consistent time schedule students and parents can depend on.  Notify parents of expected pick up and drop off times.
2. Bus must be in place and ready to load at least 5 minutes prior to dismissal of school.
3. Arrive at school in A.M. in an appropriate manner.
4. Never allow students to exit through the emergency door unless it is for practice or is required to escape an accident.
5. Bus door will not be opened until it is deemed safe, flashing lights are on and the gate is in place.
6. Brief students on how to safely board and de-board a bus.
7. The bus shall always be at a full stop prior to allowing students to leave.
8. Students may be dropped at a different stop only with permission from parents and/or guardians stated in writing.

5. Vehicle Operation Responsibilities

1. Know all rules and regulations of Motor Vehicle Department and School District of Prairie Farm.
2. Always stop at railroad crossings open door, check for trains coming either way, and proceed when it is determined to be safe.
3. Prior to stopping to let students off, allow motorists appropriate warning in advance so they can safely stop their vehicle.
4. Practice defensive driving.
5. Never allow students to open bus doors.
6. Attend meetings as required by supervisor.