Transportation Manager

Public School District - MassachusettsStudent Enrollment: 2,000 StudentsSchools Served: Elementary, Middle, and High SchoolThe Transportation Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the district's student transportation program serving 2,000 students across three schools: elementary, middle, and high school. The Manager oversees daily transportation operations, contractor/vendor coordination, routing, compliance with Massachusetts and federal regulations, and communication with families, school administrators, and community stakeholders.The Transportation Manager ensures that all transportation services support student safety, punctuality, and equitable access to educational programs while maintaining high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Transportation OperationsPlan, organize, and oversee all district transportation services, including regular education, special education, athletics, field trips, and extracurricular transportation.Develop and maintain safe, efficient bus routes and schedules for all schools.Monitor daily transportation operations to ensure on-time performance and responsiveness to operational issues.Coordinate emergency transportation procedures and weather-related transportation decisions.Oversee bus stop placement and safety evaluations.Compliance and SafetyEnsure compliance with all applicable Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Department of Transportation (DOT), and federal transportation regulations.Maintain transportation safety standards and implement best practices for student transportation.Coordinate transportation safety training and evacuation drills.Investigate and document transportation incidents, accidents, complaints, and safety concerns.Maintain required transportation records and reports.Contractor and Vendor ManagementServe as the district liaison with contracted transportation providers and vendors.Monitor contractor performance to ensure compliance with district expectations and contractual obligations.Participate in transportation contract development, bid processes, and evaluations.Review and approve invoices and transportation-related expenditures.Special Education TransportationCoordinate transportation services for students with disabilities in accordance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and applicable laws and regulations.Collaborate with special education administrators, families, and service providers to ensure appropriate transportation accommodations.Communication and Customer ServiceRespond promptly and professionally to parent, student, and staff transportation concerns.Communicate route changes, delays, and emergency information to families and school personnel.Work collaboratively with school administrators, municipal officials, law enforcement, and community agencies.Budget and AdministrationAssist in the preparation and administration of the transportation budget.Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.Prepare reports and recommendations for the Superintendent and School Committee.Utilize transportation software and data systems for routing, reporting, and operational analysis.