About this role
FUNCTIONAL JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Supervisor of Transportation
Department: Transportation
Reports to: Director of Operations
Supervises: Bus drivers, contract bus drivers, bus assistants, bus monitors, senior account clerks/dispatch transportation
Description of job:
The North Kingstown School Department is located in the coastal community of North Kingstown, a town known for its rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. Serving approximately 3,800–4,000 students, the district is made up of a diverse and engaged student body supported by dedicated educators and staff. The district includes a total of 9 schools: five elementary schools, one early learning center, two middle schools, and North Kingstown High School. Each school is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and academically challenging environment where students are encouraged to grow, achieve, and thrive. With a strong focus on student-centered learning, community collaboration, and continuous improvement, the North Kingstown School Department takes pride in providing high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for success both in school and beyond.
Summary of Responsibilities: The Transportation Supervisor is responsible for the comprehensive oversight, coordination, and continuous improvement of the district's transportation program, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable service for all students. Serving approximately 3,800–4,000 students across multiple schools, the transportation system is a critical operational component of the North Kingstown School Department—a high-performing, student-centered district known for its strong community partnerships, commitment to excellence, and dedication to supporting the whole child. This role requires strategic planning, daily operational management, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to meet the diverse needs of general education and specialized populations.
The Transportation Supervisor leads the design, implementation, and ongoing management of all transportation systems, including routing, scheduling, staffing, contract administration, and vehicle maintenance. The position ensures that transportation services are aligned with district priorities, student needs, safety regulations, and fiscal responsibility.
The Transportation Supervisor plays a vital role in ensuring equitable access to education by providing safe, timely, and efficient transportation for all students. Given the scale of the district and the complexity of its transportation needs—including daily routes, athletic and extracurricular travel, and specialized services—this position is essential to the smooth operation of the North Kingstown School Department and the overall student experience. Essential Functions:
• System Planning and Routing: Directs the overall scheduling and design of transportation services, including route development, bus stop planning, arrival and dismissal plans, and driver assignments to efficiently serve all district schools and programs.
• Efficiency and Cost Management: Develops and implements transportation routes that maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness while adhering to district policies and maintaining high standards of student safety and service.
• Staff Supervision and Leadership: Provides direct supervision and leadership to all transportation personnel, including bus drivers, contracted providers, monitors, bus aides, and office staff (dispatcher/account clerk). Fosters a collaborative and accountable team environment.
• Staff Scheduling and Coverage: Oversees daily staffing logistics, including assignment of drivers and monitors, and ensures continuity of service through proactive management of absences, vacancies, and substitute coverage.
• Technology and Systems Management: Develops and maintains computerized routing and field trip tracking systems to support efficient operations, accurate reporting, and effective communication with schools and families.
• Contract Negotiations and Administration: Serves as a key member of the district's negotiation team for transportation-related collective bargaining agreements and manages relationships with contracted transportation providers to ensure compliance and performance.
• Fleet Oversight: Oversees the maintenance, repair, and replacement planning for all district-owned vehicles, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Stakeholder Communication and Issue Resolution: Addresses and resolves transportation concerns from parents, school administrators, and community members in a timely and professional manner, maintaining a strong focus on customer service.
• Specialized Transportation Coordination: Collaborates closely with the Student Services Department to ensure the safe, appropriate, and legally compliant transportation of students with special needs, including those requiring individualized transportation plans.
• Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices: Remains current on federal and state transportation regulations, industry and safety trends, DER(Designated Employer Representative) responsibilities, and emerging technologies to continuously improve the district's transportation services.
• District Leadership and Reporting: Participates in School Committee meetings, budget development sessions, and other district leadership meetings as requested. Provides data, analysis, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Additional Duties: Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Operations or Superintendent to support the overall operations of the district.
Protective Personal Equipment:
Classification: Sedentary: Light: Medium: X Heavy: Very Heavy:
Classification Key: Sedentary – Exerting up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally; negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push/pull or otherwise move objects; Light – Exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently or negligible amounts of force constantly to move objects; Medium – Exerting 20 lbs. – 50 lbs. of force occasionally; 10 lbs. – 20 lbs. frequent; and/or greater than negligible up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects; Heavy – Exerting 50 lbs. – 100 lbs. of force occasionally; in excess of 50 lbs. frequently; 10 lbs. – 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects; Very Heavy – Exerting in excess of 100 lbs. of force occasionally; and/or in excess of 50 lbs. of force frequently; in excess of 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.
Driving Requirements: None: Manual: Own Vehicle Automatic: Own Vehicle
Work Environment
Floor Surface: Tile, carpet, grass, asphalt
Inside: Up to 100% Outside: Up to 5%
Lighting: Incandescent or Fluorescent
Vibration: n/a
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
LIFTING Maximum weight lifted: up to 35 pounds occasionally
WEIGHT Never Occasionally Frequently Constant Heights Description of object
0 – 10 lbs. X
10 – 20 lbs. X
20 – 35 lbs. X
35 – 50 lbs. X
CARRYING Maximum weight carried: up to 25 lbs.
WEIGHT Never Occasionally Frequently Constant Distances Description of object
0 – 10 lbs. X
10 – 20 lbs. X
20 – 35 lbs. X
35 – 50 lbs. X
PUSHING/PULLING Maximum push/pull: 10 lbs.
WEIGHT or FORCE Never Occasionally Frequently Constant Distances Description of object
0 – 10 lbs. X
10 – 20 lbs. X
20 – 35 lbs. X
100 + lbs. X
ACTIVITY Never Occasionally Frequently Constant Comments
Sitting X
Standing X
Walking X
Bending X
Twisting X
Crawling X
Kneeling X
Squatting X
Climbing X
Reaching – Vertical X
Reaching – Horizontal X
Grasping X
Pinching X
Manual Dexterity X
Fine Dexterity X