Director of Transportation - 2026-2027

Position Summary: The Director of Transportation, under the general supervision of the Chief Human Resources Officer, provides leadership, oversight, and management of the district's student transportation services to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable transportation of students. The Director of Transportation is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising all transportation operations, including routing, scheduling, fleet management, staff supervision, regulatory compliance, and budget administration. This position works collaboratively with district leadership, school administrators, staff, families, and community partners to support student safety, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement in transportation services.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Organize, plan, and manage a complex school district transportation and logistical system to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable services.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and ongoing management of the district's bus routing and scheduling systems.
• Assess and address transportation-related incidents and concerns, including safety issues, routing challenges, legal matters, and staffing needs, and recommend or implement appropriate resolutions.
• Operate the transportation department in accordance with all applicable state laws, Missouri regulations, and Board of Education policies.
• Directly supervise transportation personnel, including bus drivers, route dispatchers, driver trainers, and mechanics.
• Perform personnel management functions, including interviewing, evaluating, supervising, counseling, disciplining, directing, and training staff to ensure adequate staffing, improve productivity, and achieve departmental objectives.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of written materials, including bid specifications, correspondence, handbooks, memoranda, reports, policies and procedures, and budget-related documents.
• Recommend transportation-related policies, procedures, and operational actions to district leadership.
• Respond to transportation-related emergency situations during and outside of regular working hours to resolve safety and operational concerns.
• Oversee and ensure compliance with all regulations governing bus driver licensing and Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, including background checks, required physicals, and the random drug and alcohol testing program.
• Collaborate with district administrators regarding inclement weather decisions and other conditions impacting student safety and transportation operations.
• Develop specification standards and recommendations for the purchase of school buses and transportation vehicles.
• Manage vendor relationships related to the procurement of transportation equipment, parts, and services.
• Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive professional development and training program for all transportation staff.
• Oversee bus maintenance operations to ensure all vehicles are properly maintained and prepared for the annual Missouri State Highway Patrol safety inspections.
• Maintain current knowledge of Missouri transportation regulations, school transportation operations, and vehicle maintenance procedures and equipment.
• Ensure accurate records are maintained for reporting purposes, including inventory, mileage, time records, trip records, traffic accidents, and other required documentation.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with district parents, students, staff, vendors, and the general public.
• Administer the transportation budget to ensure fiscal responsibility, cost-effective programs, and effective use of district funds.
• Lead the development and presentation of a comprehensive transportation program evaluation to the Board of Education.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated prior experience in department supervision and operational management.
• Prior experience with, or knowledge of, school bus transportation rules and regulations preferred; not required.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong interpersonal relationships with transportation staff, district administrators, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Proven ability to direct and manage the operations of a large fleet of vehicles.
• Experience developing, managing, and monitoring departmental budgets.
• Ability to develop, implement, and oversee professional development and training programs for transportation staff.
• Ability to effectively coordinate transportation services with multiple district departments and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to implement, monitor, and enforce policies and procedures.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and use data to support departmental planning and decision-making.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  
  

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools/ Chief Human Resource Officer.
  
  

(The responsibilities listed above are representative of the position and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties.)

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
  
  

Why Join Us?

• A supportive community dedicated to student achievement.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• A district that values innovation and collaboration.
  
  

Work Hours: 8 hours per day; 5 days per week

Work calendar: 260 days

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary

• Program Director I
• Range $112,040-$161,190 (Salary range reflects the 25-26 SY schedule)
  
  

Position open until filled