Director of Transportation

Lynchburg City Schools•Lynchburg, VA

19h

About The Position

Under direction, provides leadership and support for designing and implementing an effective transportation plan for pupils in regular programs and special and alternative education; assures that all vehicles owned by the Board of Education are properly maintained; is responsible for the training and supervision of bus operators and attendants; is the direct supervisor and evaluator for all transportation department staff; collaborates with school administrators and district level administration on the continued improvements necessary for an effective operation.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field of at least 5 years
Coursework in public school administration or educational leadership is preferred
Experience in a responsible supervisory or administrative role within a medium to large pupil transportation department, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Possession of, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire, a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License with passenger, school bus, and air brake endorsements (or equivalent).
Thorough knowledge of the public school laws and the Lynchburg City School Board of Education policies and procedures affecting transportation of pupils.
Excellent planning and organizational ability
Excellent oral and written communications and human relations skills.
Public speaking and presentation
Ability to legally operate a school bus
Ability to problem-solve and seek solutions to difficult challenges in a fast-paced environment
Ability to manage, investigate, and provide a resolution to staff conflicts, complaints, or concerns

Nice To Haves

Coursework in public school administration or educational leadership is preferred

Responsibilities

Provides leadership for a customer-focused operation that ensures students, staff, and families' needs are acknowledged and approached with a positive and solution-oriented focus.
In cooperation with Human Resources, recruits, trains, and supervises all transportation personnel, and makes recommendations on their employment, transfer, promotion, discipline, and release.
Evaluates personnel in accordance with Lynchburg City Schools policies and guidelines.
Oversees the preparation, implementation, and regular review of efficient bus schedules, load capacities, and on-time performance for all schools and students
Develops, administers, and maintains a transportation program to meet all requirements of the daily instructional program and extracurricular activities up to and including on-time performance for arrivals and departures for Pre-K, elementary, secondary, private-day placements, and alternative education settings.
Collaborates with school principals, administration, and other responsible parties for planning of special school trips such as field trips and athletic events.
Conforms to all state laws and regulations regarding school transportation and provides timely reports to all required local and state agencies.
Serves as an active member of the Inclement Weather Team that assesses road conditions in order to determine recommendations for school closures and delays.
Acts as liaison and responds promptly, appropriately, and positively to stakeholder feedback with the intent of providing solutions and/or clarity to the reported issues
Advises on specifications of school buses and transportation department vehicles that are purchased by the School Board.
Tracks, maintains, and updates the transportation department fleet in accordance with the needs of Lynchburg City Schools within state guidelines.
Maintains safety standards in conformance with state and insurance regulations and develops a program of preventive safety.
Ensures the appropriate use of all Lynchburg City Schools transportation department vehicles and equipment
Prepares, submits, and maintains an annual operating budget for the department.
Assists in the preparation of correspondence, School Board reports, and other written or spoken responses as needed.
Provides in-service workshops, training, staff meetings, and professional development specifically designed to strengthen staff competencies, team culture, and professional knowledge.
Keeps abreast of local, state, and national developments in order to effect changes in operations as necessitated by current changes in local, state, or federal business.
Keeps knowledgeable regarding ongoing and new program development.
Reviews recent literature and research studies and reports.
Evaluates findings and suggests changes or modifications to improve existing programs.
Provides additional support with driver coverage as applicable.
Organizes, implements, and assists with CDL training courses.
Creates, updates, and implements a handbook that contains necessary standard operating procedures, department expectations, norms, best practices, and professional requirements.
Collaborates with LCS administration and school-level administrators by providing timely updates, video surveillance, and accident reports.
Uses foresight to plan and restructure transportation systems to ensure safe and timely transport.
Readjusts plans and demonstrates flexibility in order to continue an efficient and safe operation.
Communicates and collaborates with staff to ensure safe and efficient use of the transportation fleet.
Maintains and oversees all financial aspects of the transportation department such as the annual budget process, payroll, and fuel and maintenance costs.
Performs all other duties as assigned by the superintendent and/or designee.