2026-27 Transportation Director

Lewis Central Community School District is looking for a Transportation Director starting in July 2026. 

The position is expected to begin no later than mid-late June, with a preferred start date of June 1st, 2026 to allow for training and preparation for the fiscal year.

Job Title: Transportation Director

Building - Department: Operations - Transportation

Supervisor:  Superintendent of Schools

Classification: Professional Classified

FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried FTFY)

POSITION SUMMARY: Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the district’s transportation system to ensure the safe, timely, and efficient transport of students. Oversees personnel, safety, routing, compliance, and transportation services while maintaining accurate records and adherence to all state and federal regulations.

Basic Duties (not all inclusive):

• Reports to work on a regular and reliable basis.
• Provides leadership, supervision, and evaluation of all Transportation Department personnel, including drivers, monitors, and administrative staff; ensures effective day-to-day operations aligned with district expectations.
• Oversees daily transportation operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Develops, manages, and optimizes all bus, van, and activity routes using routing software (e.g., Versatrans) to maximize efficiency and service quality.
• Communicates annual transportation routes to families prior to the start of each school year and ensures information is accurately posted to the district website.
• Assigns drivers for regular routes, extracurricular activities, field trips, and specialized transportation services, including special education.
• Maintains a safe and orderly transportation environment by addressing student discipline concerns and collaborating with administrators, staff, students, and families.
• Establishes and enforces safety standards in alignment with state requirements and insurance guidelines; implements and monitors a comprehensive preventive safety program.
• Manages the transportation budget; authorizes purchases in accordance with district policies and fiscal guidelines.
• Evaluates current and future transportation needs and provides recommendations regarding staffing and operational improvements.
• Inspects bus routes and road conditions, particularly during inclement weather, and collaborates with the Superintendent regarding transportation safety and school closure decisions.
• Recruits, hires, trains, and retains transportation staff; provides recommendations to the Superintendent regarding employment actions including hiring, transfer, promotion, and termination.
• Plans, schedules, and oversees required emergency evacuation drills for students in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Operate a school bus as a substitute driver on routes and trips when needed to ensure coverage. Follow the Lewis Central Drug & Alcohol Program process and procedures to include a pre-employment drug screening and random drug testing.
• Leads and participates in department meetings, committees, and professional development activities as appropriate.
• Ensures implementation of all Board policies related to transportation services and departmental operations, including managing the Lewis Central Drug & Alcohol Program.
• Provides district-wide support during emergency situations as needed.
• Maintains availability outside of regular working hours and carries a cell phone to respond to on-call needs as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Education and/or Experience: 

A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related field and/or, 
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in transportation operations, logistics, fleet management, or a related field, preferably within a school district or public sector environment. 
• Two (2) - three (3) years prior supervisory or leadership experience.
• Must possess a CDL Permit prior to hire.
• Must obtain a Class B CDL with Passenger and School Bus endorsements within 3 months of hire and have the ability to operate District vehicles safely.
• Must obtain a School Bus Driver Authorization Card from the State of Iowa. Paid training provided.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises all Bus Drivers, Bus Monitors, Mechanics, and Operations Administrative Assistant
• Evaluates all assigned personnel as directed by Board policy (Annually)
• Is responsible for following the Progressive Discipline procedures working with Human Resources to ensure proper steps are taken for personnel concerns.
• Makes recommendations for hires and involuntary terminations to Human Resources for Superintendent and Board approval.
•  Manages, approves and submits to Business Office all timesheets, leave requests and schedules for transportation personnel assigned through designated software.

For a copy of the complete job description with expected Competencies, Physical Demands and Work Environment please reach out to Human Resources at humanresources@lewiscentral.org.

Hours/Schedule:  This position is a year-round position. Daily attendance for this position is essential for the success of our students.

Rate of pay: Salary to be determined with experience and education. 

Benefits: This position is eligible for our full benefit package, including paid single health and dental benefits with the option to purchase family benefits. A life insurance policy of 1 times salary is provided at no cost to the employee. Supplemental insurance programs (vision, accident/critical illness) also available. All employees are automatically enrolled from day one, in the state sponsored retirement program, IPERS. The District contributes 9.44% of your wages to this. IPERS requires that the employee contribute 6.29% of your wages.

Paid Leaves/Holidays: The District offers both paid sick leave, paid personal leave, and paid vacation leave for this position. This position has 8 paid holidays; 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day following, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Memorial Day.