School Bus/Van Driver (2026-27)

Newton Public Schools USD 373; Newton (KS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Newton Public Schools USD 373 is seeking a qualified School Bus Driver in Newton, Kansas. You must have a valid Kansas CDL license and complete a physical examination. Responsibilities include obeying traffic laws, maintaining student order on the bus, performing pre-trip inspections, and ensuring bus cleanliness. The position requires regular attendance and adherence to safety regulations for student transportation. Compensation and employment length will be determined by the board of education.

Qualifications

• Complete and pass physical for school bus drivers.
• Minimum of 12 hours training time (6 without students, 6 with students).
• Meet all state requirements for bus drivers, including defensive driving and first aid courses.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of and obeys all traffic laws.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses.
• Follows district’s policies regarding student transportation.
• Maintains discipline on the bus and reports issues.

Skills

Valid Kansas CDL license with required endorsements

Demonstrated aptitude or competence for all assigned responsibilities

Ability to drive vehicles of different sizes and styles

Ability to perform first aid and CPR

Job description

Qualifications

• Valid Kansas CDL license with required endorsements
• Complete and pass physical for school bus drivers
• Minimum of 12 hours training time (6 without students, 6 with students)
• Meet all state requirements for bus drivers which includes defensive driving course and first aid course
• Demonstrated aptitude or competence for all assigned responsibilities
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the board of education may find appropriate and acceptable

Essential Functions

• Knowledge of and obeys all traffic laws.
• Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses.
• Follows district’s policies in regard to student transportation.
• Maintains discipline and reports those who are not abiding by the rules to the proper authority to maintain order while on the bus.
• Follows district’s procedures when disciplining students.
• Keeps assigned bus clean for the purpose of ensuring safety, appearance, and sanitation of vehicle.
• Keeps to assigned schedule to provide minimal school disruptions.
• Performs pre-trip inspection following district’s policy.
• Notifies supervisor in case of mechanical failure or lateness.
• Discharges students only at authorized stops.
• Transports only authorized students.
• Reports all accidents and completes required reports to the proper authorities.
• Ability to drive vehicles of different sizes and styles.
• Regular onsite attendance.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding student and staff information in order to remain in compliance with legal requirements and to maintain a professional work environment.
• Other responsibilities as noted in the transportation handbook or as assigned by the transportation supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Terms of Employment

Wage and length of employment to be established by the board of education.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the board’s policy on evaluation of support services personnel.

Physical Requirements Of The Job

Bus Driver considerations are listed in the following items:

• Very rarely requires physical exertion beyond walking.
• Very rarely requires physical exertion beyond walking or climbing stairs.
• Requires prolonged (over 50% of time) standing and walking.
• Requires prolonged (over 75% of time) sitting.
• Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, push heavy objects or materials.
• Frequently (over 20% of time) requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, or push heavy objects or materials.
• Frequently (over 33% of time) requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, or push heavy objects or materials.
• Over 50% of the time requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, or push heavy objects or materials.
• In addition to items 5–8, occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry or push heavy objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds.
• Driving skills and physical ability required to drive vehicle.
• Special physical, agility and reaction time tests required.
• Ability to perform first aid and CPR.
• "Heavy" means not over 50 pounds.