Special Needs Transportation Supervisor (2024-2025)

Primary Purpose:

Oversees and coordinates special education transportation services to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant student transport. This role involves supervising special needs bus drivers and assistants, developing and maintaining transportation programs, ensuring adherence to laws and policies, and addressing operational challenges to support student needs as determined by the ARD committee.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
• Texas Commercial Driver’s License (Class B) with Passenger, Air Brake, and School Bus Endorsements (preferred)
• Texas T.E.A. School Bus Driver certification
• Must pass an annual DOT physical exam

Experience

• Three (3) years of experience in school bus driving and driver training, with satisfactory performance evaluations
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience (preferred)

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on clarity and professionalism.
• Proficient in keyboarding, data entry, word processing, and file management.
• Proficient in utilizing digital devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) and software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), for document creation, data analysis, and database management.
• Proficient interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with staff and stakeholders.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Program Development & Compliance

• Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures for new or revised transportation programs, including student screening, route assignments, behavior education, and special programs student management.
• Monitor and evaluate special education transportation services to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and district policies.
• Provide guidance to students, parents, and staff on transportation-related laws, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings as needed to support student transportation planning.
• Oversee and coordinate the registration process for students requiring specialized transportation services.

Staff Training

• Develop, coordinate, and oversee training programs for special needs bus drivers and driver assistants to ensure they can perform all duties in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and student-specific requirements.
• Facilitate training sessions, including video reviews and in-person instruction, to reinforce best practices in student transportation and safety.

Routing & Operational Management

• Develop and adjust transportation routes throughout the year, ensuring appropriate student assignments and efficient deployment of transportation personnel.
• Make real-time decisions and last-minute adjustments to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of special program students.
• Arrange for additional buses and drivers in response to accidents, heavy traffic, or other unexpected disruptions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date dispatch records for drivers and equipment.
• Coordinate with maintenance staff to manage bus servicing, replacements, parking assignments, and fueling schedules.

Student Safety & Behavior Management

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of various student disabilities to ensure appropriate support and accommodations during transportation.
• Oversee student behavior management on special needs buses, ensuring adherence to each student’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Develop and implement bus evacuation procedures in collaboration with campus staff, including training sessions and scheduled evacuation drills. Maintain required documentation in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Communication & Problem-Solving

• Monitor, operate, and maintain two-way radio and telephone communications to ensure effective coordination of transportation operations.
• Provide guidance and support to bus drivers in resolving routine service issues, emergencies, and personnel concerns, including coordinating with law enforcement, external agencies, district staff, and parents as needed.
• Establish and maintain clear, professional communication with schools, parents, transportation staff, and other stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations and address concerns proactively.

Data & Documentation Management

• Prepare, maintain, and distribute various transportation-related information using various software tools to ensure accurate and efficient data reporting and retrieval.
• Develop, update, and manage student databases, ensuring that all records are current and accurate.

Equipment & Facility Oversight

• Ensure the maintenance, cleaning, and inspection of all transportation equipment, keeping detailed inventory records for all assets.
• Conduct regular inspections of buses to verify cleanliness and ensure that all equipment is in proper working condition.

Other Duties:

• Drive any type and size bus for scheduled or unscheduled service as required.
• On call for emergencies during off-duty hours.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participate in professional development, department meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the department.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and monitor drivers and driver assistants' performance, providing constructive feedback, guidance, and corrective actions as needed to support continuous improvement; escalate concerns to the assistant director or director when necessary.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; district vehicle; school bus

Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking; regular grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, and reaching; regular driving

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Work outside and inside, on slippery or uneven walking surfaces; frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, dust, noise, vibration; exposure to chemical hazards; work around vehicles and machinery with moving parts; regularly work irregular hours; occasional prolonged hours; frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

THE DENTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER