Bus Driver

Provides for the safe, efficient, and courteous transportation of students according to the regulations of the state of Ohio, Ohio Department of Education, and the policies of the board. Uses each contact with the public as an opportunity to promote a positive impression of the school district.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test).
• Attainment of legal age and physically/mentally qualified as defined in the current Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation & Safety Rules, and, as determined by board policy.
• Satisfactory completion of the Ohio Pre-Service School Bus Driver Training Program and subsequent in-service training requirements.
• Holds a current Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with a school bus endorsement.
• Holds a current bus driver's certificate issued by the superintendent.
• A current American Red Cross first-aid certificate is desirable.
• Subject to Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles driving record checks (abstract).
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation and is subject to subsequent periodic re-verification.
• Subject to pre-employment and ongoing random drug tests.
• Ability to physically manage students with disabilities if necessary.
• Ability to anticipate and deal with stressful traffic and weather conditions.
• Demonstrates maturity and the ability to work with students and their families.

Responsibilities

• Operate the bus according to all motor vehicle laws.
• Practices defensive driving techniques.
• Maintains established routes and time schedules.
• Notifies the transportation supervisor of unusual circumstances that require a departure from the regular schedule.
• Transports only authorized passengers.
• Picks up and unloads students only at approved stops.
• Helps the transportation supervisor to keep route sheets up-to-date.
• Offers suggestions for more efficient routing.
• Waits for authorization before making changes except during an emergency.
• Performs pre-trip and post-trip safety inspections of the school bus as defined in the Ohio Pupil Transportation Operation and Safety Rules.
• Checks fire, emergency equipment, and first aid supplies.
• Reports irregularities immediately and takes appropriate action to ensure passenger safety.
• Prepares written inspection reports and other documents as directed.
• Supervises students on the bus during loading and unloading procedures.
• Offers help when students ask for or their behavior suggests they need assistance.
• Avoids being intrusive.
• Allows students to seek their highest degree of independence.
• Solves student concerns discreetly.
• Helps students with disabilities (e.g., physical assistance, operation of the wheelchair lift, etc.).
• Ensures that wheelchairs are properly positioned, locked, and secured before the bus starts.
• When aware of passengers with medical or special health considerations, anticipates and is prepared to offer assistance during an emergency.
• Follows prescribed first aid policies and procedures.
• Monitors and controls passenger's behavior.
• Teaches self-discipline.
• Enforces safety rules.
• Upholds the student conduct code according to district policy.
• Protects the due process rights of students.
• Reports persistent discipline problems to the appropriate authority.
• Strives to develop rapport with students, staff, parents, and the public.
• Responds to requests and complaints promptly and tactfully.
• Offers and accepts constructive suggestions diplomatically.
• Respects the personal confidences and privacy needs of individuals.
• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse as required by law.
• Assumes responsibility for the interior/exterior cleanliness of the bus.
• Participates in the district's bus safety program as directed.
• Reports the license plate number of vehicles that fail to comply with the law to an appropriate law enforcement agency.
• Monitors bus communication equipment.
• Uses tact and procedural correctness to send and receive information.
• Immediately reports all traffic citations, accidents, or property damage incurred during the performance of assigned duties.
• Accurately document all accidents and injuries using standardized district forms.
• Reports hazardous conditions along the bus route to the transportation supervisor and/or appropriate district staff.
• Follows approved procedures for evacuation of the bus during emergencies.
• Conducts emergency evacuation drills that comply with current state statutes.
• Reports equipment malfunctions in writing.
• Fuels the vehicle and maintains fluid levels (e.g., oil, windshield washer, brake, transmission, etc.).
• Documents gas consumption and mileage.
• Shares in the responsibility for authorized field trips.
• Exercises responsible leadership.
• Remains with the bus and is available to teachers and students during the trip.
• Participates in training necessary to maintain a commercial drivers license.
• Participates in staff meetings and professional growth activities as directed.
• Serves as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings.
• Helps instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Characteristics and Abilities

• Demonstrates professionalism and exemplary personal conduct.
• Uses interpersonal skills to promote a favorable image of the school district.
• Works cooperatively to support a successful team effort.
• Expresses ideas effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Carries out prescribed actions efficiently with limited supervision.
• Intervenes to avert problem situations and resolve conflicts.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Lifts, carries, and/or moves bus supplies and equipment.
• Lifts, moves, and/or positions children.
• Helps students using mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc.) and adaptive equipment.
• Performs activities that require stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching.
• Reads and interprets regulations, manuals, instructions, maps, etc.
• Visualizes bus routes.
• Climbs and works from a stool or step ladder that requires balancing skills.
• Discerns sound variances in equipment.

Working Conditions

• Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Exposure to student exuberance and commotion.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.
• Duties involve operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may involve working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Duties may involve working during the evening and/or weekend.
• Exposure to personal hygiene products and medications.
• Exposure to airborne particulates, vapors, and odors.
• Exposure to loud noises and equipment vibrations.
• Duty may involve contact with oily/greasy tools and equipment.

Performance Evaluation

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy provisions adopted by the London City School District Board of Education. The London City School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. The board requires that employees comply with the statutory responsibilities cited in the Ohio Revised Code, the rules and regulations of the Ohio Department of Education, and all local and Federal mandates. The board requires that employees remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout their employment in the district. This job description does not imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. This job description is subject to change in response to negotiated agreements, funding variables, emerging technologies, improved operating procedures, productivity factors, and unforeseen events.