Fowlerville Community Schools

Job Description: School Bus Dispatcher

Department: Transportation
Salary: $17.00–$18.00 per hour
Paid Time Off: 5 sick days and 1 personal day per school year
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., 185 days per year

Posting Notice: Due to the timing of this posting, the District reserves the right to interview candidates as applications are received and may conduct interviews and extend an offer of employment prior to the posting deadline if a qualified candidate is identified.

Position Summary

Fowlerville Community Schools is seeking a dependable, organized, and customer-service-oriented individual to serve as a School Bus Dispatcher. This position is responsible for coordinating daily transportation operations, communicating with bus drivers and families, maintaining accurate transportation records, and providing clerical and administrative support to the Transportation Department.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills, proficiency with computers and office technology, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. This individual must be able to prioritize responsibilities, respond professionally to changing situations, and work collaboratively with transportation staff, students, families, and District personnel.

The selected candidate must also be willing to complete the necessary training and licensing requirements to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Transportation Operations and Dispatching

• Coordinate and dispatch school buses to support safe, timely, and efficient transportation services.

• Assist with scheduling, organizing, and updating daily bus routes and transportation assignments.

• Maintain accurate route information, bus stop locations, driver assignments, and transportation schedules.

• Communicate promptly with drivers and transportation personnel regarding route changes, delays, emergencies, and other operational updates.

• Monitor daily transportation activities and assist in resolving scheduling conflicts or unexpected transportation needs.

• Work collaboratively with bus drivers, mechanics, and the Transportation Supervisor to support efficient department operations.

• Assist with coordinating transportation coverage when drivers are absent or routes require adjustments.

Clerical and Administrative Responsibilities

• Answer incoming telephone calls, respond to inquiries, and direct communications to appropriate personnel.

• Provide professional, courteous customer service to parents, students, staff, and community members.

• Perform general clerical duties, including data entry, filing, document preparation, recordkeeping, and correspondence.

• Utilize computerized transportation routing programs, student information systems, email, and other District software applications.

• Maintain accurate electronic and paper records related to transportation operations.

• Assist with organizing transportation documents, schedules, reports, and departmental communications.

• Demonstrate the ability to multitask, prioritize competing responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a busy office environment.

• Maintain confidentiality of student, family, and employee information in accordance with District policies and applicable regulations.

• Assist with other administrative and office duties as needed.

Communication and Customer Service

• Serve as a professional and helpful point of contact for transportation-related questions and concerns.

• Communicate clearly and effectively with parents, drivers, building personnel, and District administration.

• Respond to inquiries and concerns with patience, professionalism, and sound judgment.

• Maintain positive working relationships with students, families, coworkers, and supervisors.

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability when responding to changing transportation needs or unexpected situations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in required training and professional development.

• Begin training to obtain a CDL Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements within six (6) months of hire.

• Successfully complete all required CDL licensing and school bus certification requirements within a timeframe established by the District.

• Assist with transportation coverage and other department needs as directed, provided the employee holds all required credentials.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Transportation Supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

• Strong organizational, clerical, and administrative skills.

• Proficiency in computer applications, including email, Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and the ability to learn District-specific software systems.

• Ability to accurately enter, maintain, and retrieve information using computerized systems.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact professionally with students, parents, staff, and the public.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and work effectively under pressure and time constraints.

• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and strong attendance.

• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

• Willingness and ability to complete required CDL training and obtain the necessary licenses and endorsements.

• Ability to meet applicable state and federal school bus driver qualification requirements.

CDL Training and Certification Requirement

The selected candidate must be willing to begin training to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements within six (6) months of hire and successfully complete all required licensing and certification requirements within a timeframe established by the District.

Paid District-supported training will be provided as necessary. The employee must maintain all required licenses, endorsements, and certifications once obtained and remain eligible to operate a school bus in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in school transportation, dispatching, or a related field.

• Prior clerical, administrative assistant, or office support experience.

• Experience working in a school district or other customer-service-oriented environment.

• Familiarity with computerized transportation routing programs and student information systems.

• Knowledge of local roads, school boundaries, and transportation routes.

• Current CDL Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.

• Previous school bus driving experience.

Additional Information

The District will provide support and training opportunities for the selected candidate to pursue the required CDL credentials. Candidates who do not currently hold a CDL are encouraged to apply, provided they are willing and able to participate in the required training and certification process.

The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, reliability, student safety, and excellent customer service.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and responsibilities of the position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on the operational needs of the District.

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the District.

Fowlerville Community Schools does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (ancestry), religion (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its programs and activities.  Inquiries or complaints related to discrimination should be directed to:  Director of Human Resources, Trisha Reed, Fowlerville Community Schools, 7677 Sharpe Road, Suite A, Fowlerville, MI 48836, (517)223-6018.

Salary : $17 - $18