Company Description

KIPP Delta is part of the nationwide KIPP non-profit network of 275 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students. KIPP Delta currently serves more than 1,200 students across 5 schools in Helena and Blytheville, AR.

Job Description

The Lead Bus Driver is responsible for transporting students on scheduled routes and special excursions while ensuring the safe operation of the vehicle and the safety of students during transport. This role involves providing lead direction and coordinating the work of other bus drivers, managing routes, and maintaining KIPP Delta’s transportation records. The Lead Bus Driver operates under general supervision within standard policies and procedures and performs advanced-level bus driving assignments and administrative support tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate a school bus on designated routes and scheduled trips.

• Follow both oral and written instructions, adhering to assigned bus schedules.

• Provide leadership, training, and guidance to other bus drivers, working various schedules, including evenings, split shifts, and weekends as needed.

• Keep records of field trips and assign drivers accordingly.

• Schedule and coordinate training sessions and meetings for bus drivers.

• Communicate route changes, bus schedules, and student behavior issues with parents, teachers, and bus drivers.

• Exercise good judgment and initiative in problem-solving and decision-making.

• Monitor driving performance and provide feedback to the Managing Director of Regional Operations.

• Report unsafe bus conditions that could lead to accidents and coordinate necessary repairs with the Managing Director of Regional Operations.

• Train new bus drivers to ensure they receive safety certification.

• Maintain records of bus routes and assign drivers to cover all routes.

• Oversee daily operations to ensure smooth bus scheduling, especially in cases of driver absences or route changes.

• Report accidents, mechanical issues, vehicle damage, and student injuries, and complete the necessary paperwork.

• Communicate with parents and school leaders regarding student behavior and meet with relevant parties when necessary.

• Assist the Managing Director of Regional Operations with administrative tasks and operational needs as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Ensures the safety and well-being of children and adults being transported to and from school and on field trips.

• Completes a comprehensive written inspection of the bus daily, reporting any conditions of concern to the Director or delegated staff person before transporting children.

• Ensures that the bus always has sufficient fuel.

• Operates a bus in such a way that road and safety regulations are always followed; reported any traffic violations to the Managing Director of Regional Operations immediately.

• Follows procedures to guarantee no child is left alone on the bus without adult supervision at any time, including ensuring all children have departed the bus at the end of all bus routes (morning, evening, and during field trips or other special trips).

• Keeps the bus clean and free of debris; follows other bus cleaning procedures.

• Routinely inventories bus emergency and first aid supplies and equipment and reports need to the Managing Director of Regional Operations or delegated staff person.

• Attend transportation in-service training for bus drivers and other continuing education, career, and professional development opportunities.

• In case of accidents/emergencies, evacuate children according to written and practiced procedures.

• In the event of an accident, ensure that medical emergency procedures are followed; complete a written accident report as required by the delegate's procedure and other authorities.

• Support student recruitment, enrollment, and retention activities as needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

Qualifications

Education:

• A valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with a school bus endorsement is required.

Experience:

• Prior experience as a school bus driver is required.

• Strong oral and written communication skills are essential to perform the duties effectively.

Additional Requirements:

• Must pass a school bus driver's physical examination, including a drug test.

• Ability to clear background checks and fingerprinting as required by the State of Arkansas.

• Valid Arkansas driver's license.

• Ability to maintain a positive image of the organization in the community.

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.

• Ability to read and comprehend procedures, traffic signs, and other relevant information.

• Ability to handle high-pressure situations, including accidents and emergencies.

• Experience working effectively in a team setting is highly desirable.

• Respect for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, along with flexibility, patience, and good personal hygiene.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods, as well as stoop, squat, lift, carry, push, and climb.

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule and travel as needed.

• Must be able to enter and exit vehicles without assistance and work in adverse weather conditions.

• Subject to random drug tests.

Additional Information

KIPP Delta offers competitive salary and benefits packages. The hourly compensation range for this position is $22 to $28 commensurate with experience.

As an equal opportunity employer, KIPP Delta does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other basis made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations.