Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Superintendent or designee, the Director of Transportation provides strategic leadership, oversight, and operational management of the Lee County School System's transportation department. This position ensures safe, efficient, legally compliant, and fiscally responsible transportation services for students while supervising personnel, managing budgets, maintaining fleet operations, and ensuring adherence to all Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), and local board policies.
The Director ensures that transportation services support the instructional mission of the district and operate in alignment with state and federal regulations, including applicable sections of O.C.G.A., GaDOE transportation guidelines, and safety mandates.
Essential Functions
- Provides supervision and direction for all transportation personnel, including hiring, evaluation, training, and discipline.
- Establishes and enforces departmental procedures aligned with Board policy and district expectations.
- Promotes a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism
- Develops and oversees all bus routes for regular education, special education, and extracurricular programs.
- Assigns buses, drivers, and monitors to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Coordinates route adjustments and transportation responses during emergencies or changing conditions.
- Ensures compliance with GaDOE pupil transportation standards and Georgia Department of Public Safety regulations.
- Oversees driver certification, required training, safety drills, and documentation.
- Investigates accidents and complaints and implements corrective actions as needed.
- Manages fleet maintenance, inspections, and bus replacement planning.
- Develops and monitors the department budget, including fuel, inventory, and vendor services.
- Implements cost-control measures while maintaining operational effectiveness.
- Collaborates with district leadership and school administrators to support student transportation needs.
- Responds to parent and community concerns in a timely and professional manner.
- Ensures transportation services align with IEP requirements and district student support initiatives.
Additional Duties - Performs other tasks as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Knowledge of Georgia pupil transportation laws, regulations, and GaDOE guidelines.
- Knowledge of fleet management and preventive maintenance systems.
- Knowledge of student safety standards and risk management practices.
- Ability to supervise and evaluate classified personnel.
- Ability to develop and manage departmental budgets.
- Ability to analyze routing data and optimize operational efficiency.
- Ability to investigate incidents and prepare clear, defensible reports.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to remain calm and decisive in high-stress or emergency situations.
Physical And Mental Demands, Work Hazards
- Requires regular sitting, standing, walking, bending, and lifting (up to 40 pounds).
- Requires the ability to inspect buses and maintenance areas.
- Work is performed in office, garage/shop, and outdoor environments.
- Exposure to noise, fumes, moving mechanical parts, and varying weather conditions.
- Requires sustained concentration, multitasking, and rapid decision-making during emergencies or high-volume operational periods.
Equipment - District vehicles, school buses, routing software systems, two-way radios, GPS tracking systems, fuel management systems, office technology (computer, printer, copier), safety and diagnostic tools, and fleet maintenance equipment.
Travel Requirements - Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Education/Experience
- Bachelor's degree preferred; relevant experience in transportation management may substitute where appropriate.
- Valid Georgia driver's license and CDL.
- Experience in school transportation management or related operations leadership preferred.
- Demonstrated experience supervising personnel and managing budgets.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and directly related experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in lieu of formal degree requirements.
FLSA Status: Exempt