Director of Transportation

LAFAYETTE SCHOOL CORPORATION

Director of Transportation

Position Details

Location: Lafayette School Corporation – Transportation Center / District-Wide
Position Type: Administration
Contract: 260-Day Administrative Contract
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: Director of Human Resources

Salary: $90,000-$105,000

Position Summary

The Director of Transportation provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for all PK–12 student transportation services within the Lafayette School Corporation. The position ensures safe, efficient, cost-effective, and legally compliant transportation operations that support student attendance, well-being, and academic success.

The Director leads all aspects of transportation operations, including strategic planning, staffing, routing, fleet management, safety compliance, budgeting, and stakeholder communication. This role establishes systems that promote continuous improvement, operational efficiency, employee accountability, and a positive workplace culture aligned with district goals.

The Director serves as the district's primary expert and spokesperson on student transportation matters and collaborates with district leadership, school administrators, families, and community partners to ensure reliable, high-quality transportation services.

Alignment with LSC Mission, Vision, and Values

The Director of Transportation supports and advances the Lafayette School Corporation's Mission, Vision, and Values through leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to safe and equitable student access to education.

• Ensures reliable and efficient transportation systems that support student attendance and readiness to learn.
• Promotes equitable access to educational opportunities through effective routing and service delivery.
• Aligns transportation operations with district strategic priorities and continuous improvement efforts.
• Creates a safe, supportive transportation environment focused on student care and professionalism.
• Empowers transportation staff through leadership support, clear expectations, and professional growth opportunities.
• Promotes teamwork and positive daily interactions that strengthen school culture.
• Believes in
• Focusing on student success through safe, dependable, and on-time transportation services.
• Safety and well-being for all through proactive safety practices and regulatory compliance.
• Respecting the culture and diversity of all students and families through equitable and responsive service.
• Highly valuing district employees by fostering a respectful and collaborative workplace climate.
• Managing for innovation through data analysis, technology use, and continuous improvement.
• Engaging with the community through professional communication and strong stakeholder relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Department Management

• Develop and implement short- and long-range transportation strategic plans aligned with district goals.
• Establish measurable department objectives and monitor progress toward performance outcomes.
• Supervise bus drivers, monitors, dispatchers, mechanics, and transportation support staff.
• Foster a positive workplace climate through respectful communication and staff engagement.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability systems for transportation employees.
• Implement recruitment and retention strategies to maintain a stable workforce.
• Oversee onboarding, mentoring, and professional development aligned with department goals.
• Ensure systematic annual evaluations for all transportation staff.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively while maintaining accountability for outcomes.

Operational Oversight and Efficiency

• Direct daily transportation operations, including routing, scheduling, dispatch, and service delivery.
• Utilize routing software, GPS systems, and transportation technology to improve efficiency.
• Analyze operational data to improve routes, reduce ride times, and enhance on-time performance.
• Monitor arrival, dismissal, and ride-time performance metrics and implement adjustments.
• Prepare and present transportation performance reports to district administration.
• Collaborate with school administrators to meet student-specific transportation needs.
• Ensure operational continuity during emergencies, inclement weather, or service disruptions.

Financial and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the transportation department budget.
• Monitor expenditures related to staffing, fuel, fleet maintenance, and contracted services.
• Analyze financial data to identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead fleet replacement planning and long-term capital forecasting.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of district resources.

Fleet Management

• Oversee preventative maintenance programs focused on proactive fleet reliability.
• Monitor vehicle maintenance schedules, repair histories, and fuel usage.
• Ensure all vehicles meet or exceed state inspection standards.
• Coordinate vehicle procurement and lifecycle planning.
• Maintain accurate fleet and maintenance documentation.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
• Maintain systems ensuring driver licensing, certification, and background check compliance.
• Coordinate required student transportation safety instruction and evacuation drills.
• Develop ongoing employee safety training programs.
• Investigate incidents and accidents and implement preventative corrective actions.
• Maintain systems for documenting and resolving transportation-related incidents.
• Monitor accident trends and provide retraining and improvement strategies.

Communication and Collaboration

• Serve as liaison between transportation services, schools, families, and community stakeholders.
• Respond promptly and professionally to parent and community concerns.
• Maintain consistent communication with building administrators regarding delays and safety issues.
• Collaborate with district leadership and departments to support student services.
• Communicate department goals and expectations clearly to staff.
• Provide proactive updates and recommendations to supervisors.

Personnel Leadership and Culture

• Promote a respectful, collaborative, and solutions-focused departmental culture.
• Utilize staff feedback to improve workplace climate and operations.
• Model district Mission, Vision, and Values in all interactions.
• Support employee growth through coaching and leadership development.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in administrative meetings and district initiatives.
• Support district emergency response and crisis management planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Human Resources or Superintendent.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in education, business administration, public administration, logistics, transportation management, or related field preferred but not required.

Licensure and Certifications

• Valid Indiana driver's license required.
• CDL with appropriate endorsements preferred or ability to obtain.
• Indiana State School Bus Safety Certification preferred or ability to obtain.
• IASBO Transportation Director Certification preferred or ability to obtain.

Experience

• Administrative, supervisory, and leadership experience required.
• Experience with routing or fleet management systems preferred.
• Experience in school transportation, logistics, or operations management preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational and operational leadership skills.
• Knowledge of student transportation laws and safety standards.
• Ability to analyze operational and financial data.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to lead large and diverse employee groups.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and customer service excellence.

Working Conditions

• 260-day administrative contract.
• Early morning and occasional evening hours required.
• Travel between district locations required.
• Extended hours during emergencies, inclement weather, or special events.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lafayette School Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and Indiana employment laws. The Corporation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Lafayette School Corporation provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable Indiana law.

Application Process

Interested applicants must apply online through the Lafayette School Corporation Applicant Management System (AppliTrack) and through the Indeed portal by Friday, April 24, 2026.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to:
Mr. Brandon Hawkins
Director of Human Resources
Lafayette School Corporation
bhawkins@lsc.k12.in.us | 765-771-6045

Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person