Bus Driver - IDEA Tres Lagos (Immediate Opening)

About the Role

The Bus Driver is responsible for transporting students over scheduled routes to and from a variety of school sites and for assuring the safety of all passengers, including special‑education students, while operating the assigned bus. The position operates under general supervision within standard policies and procedures and must keep the bus in safe operating condition.

Responsibilities

• Safely drives a school bus according to time schedules, transporting students to and from homes, school sites, and field trips.
• Maintains order and proper discipline of passengers; resolves disputes and documents severe disciplinary cases.
• Conducts daily safety and operational inspections of the assigned vehicle.
• Oversees loading and unloading of students, releases students to authorized individuals, and ensures safety belts are fastened in passenger vans.
• Maintains records and reports including mileage, routing, maintenance, and time schedules.
• Notifies appropriate individuals of any delays in the scheduled route.
• Ensures CDL, medical card, and regional credentials are current and compliant with DOT and IDEA policy.
• Communicates effectively with campus managers, accepts feedback, and self‑reflects to improve performance.
• Manages multiple tasks by prioritizing work, adapts to changing circumstances, and meets established time constraints.
• Works an open calendar, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and a minimum of 32 hours per week (excluding extracurricular activities).
• Provides extended hours when necessary to meet business needs.

Qualifications

• Education: GED or High School Diploma.
• Experience: Operation of large passenger vehicles or equivalent combination of experience and training; ability to manage student behavior.
• License/Certification: Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Class P (passenger) and S (school bus) endorsements; completed bus driver safety training course; must be over 21 years old.
• Must pass alcohol and drug tests and a DOT physical examination.
• Ability to understand and follow directions and feedback.
• Strong communication skills and openness to both positive and negative feedback.
• Self‑reflection and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to prioritize, adapt, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Compensation

Hourly rate ranges from $19.00 (0 years experience) to $23.75 (with experience). This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on team performance and goal attainment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits plan covering the majority of employee premiums for the base medical plan and subsidizing most costs for spouses/domestic partners and children.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for birth or adoption, based on tenure and caregiver designation.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to 50 % of tuition (maximum $5,250 per year) for qualifying degree programs, subject to manager discretion and budget.
• Employer‑paid mental/behavioral health: 5 face‑to‑face counseling sessions per year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and additional work‑life services at no cost.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Parenting benefits, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
• Potential relocation allowance to defray moving costs, if applicable.

About IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools believes every child can go to college. Since 2000, the network has grown from a single school of 150 students to a multi‑state charter system serving over 80,000 college‑bound students across 143 schools in Texas, Florida, and Ohio. IDEA consistently ranks among top high schools nationally and aims to send 100 % of its graduates to college. Employees join a team and family that values mission‑driven impact, accountability, urgency, entrepreneurial spirit, and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging.