Transportation Operations Bus Monitor Manager

General Summary

Under the direction of the Asst Director of the Department of Transportation, the manager will supervise and coordinate all aspects of Springfield Public Schools student transportation bus operations, including direct supervision on staff. Troubleshoots and implements solutions across all aspects of the transportation program. The manager will also coordinate student transportation programs with principals, central office, vendors, and others to ensure standards of transportation are met accordingly.

• Directly manages and supervises over 100 staff, including scheduling assignments, approving payroll, hiring and discipline.
• Develops and administers a comprehensive training and education program for staff.
• Drafts memos, disciplinary letters, and other formal communications.
• Responsible for ensuring student safety at all times.
• Reviews and revises operational policies and procedures for compliance with all laws and best practices.
• Ensures employees have and wear proper personal protective equipment.
• Provides exceptional customer service, including promptly answering telephones and responding to emails from parents and school staff.
• Adheres to rules, regulations, and guidelines set forth by the Springfield School Committee.
• Assists the Transportation Asst Director with the essential tasks of transportation program.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records in systems, such as Versatrans, TCP, and Power School.
• Works in conjunction with all SPS staff and vendors in the management of school transportation operations.
• Assures effective communication and performance through organized meetings, setting agendas, and recording minutes. The Manager encourages employee participation and feedback while maintaining employee confidentiality and trust.
• Actively solves problems, resolves conflicts and issues among staff.
• Actively monitors employee turnover and implements strategies to increase retention.
• Conducts inspections as needed throughout transportation program.
• Performs related duties of a similar nature and as assigned.
• Oversees daily bus monitor coverage for AM/PM routes; assigns monitors, manages call-outs, and executes same-day coverage plans to ensure student safety and service continuity.
• Coordinates directly with the transportation vendor(s), dispatch, and school administrators to resolve route/behavior concerns in real time.
• Ensures monitors are placed on routes in accordance with IEP/504 requirements, district protocols, and safety plans; maintains confidential documentation and communicates changes promptly to dispatch.
• Implements and maintains a “do not transport without monitor” process when required; verifies coverage before student pickup and documents exceptions.
• Conducts field observations/ride‑alongs and performance check‑ins; provides coaching, de‑escalation, and professional conduct.
• Leads onboarding and training for new monitors (student confidentiality, emergency procedures, radio/phone protocols, incident reporting).
• Tracks attendance, timekeeping, and payroll input; ensures accurate rosters, route assignments, and staffing lists are maintained and shared with the appropriate teams.
• Reviews incident reports (behavior, safety, injuries, parent complaints), ensures timely submission, completes follow‑up, and escalates serious matters per district protocol.
• Maintains ongoing communication with the Exceptional Learning/Student Services team on student needs, transportation accommodations, and service adjustments.

Education and Experience:

Minimum 2‑3 years of relevant management experience or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or related field. Appropriate education substitutions can be made.

• Knowledge of the city streets, intersections and traffic patterns.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must possess exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to create and use transportation reports from Versatrans.
• Ability to make decisions based on policy and procedure governing school transportation.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations governing traffic.
• Knowledge of public procurement…