Manchester policy committee approves two bus driver job descriptions with student-interaction amendment

The Manchester School District Policy Committee on March 19 approved two revised transportation job descriptions designed to expand hiring options in the district’s transportation department.

Assistant Superintendent Nicole Doherty presented the changes, saying, “as we continue to grow our transportation department, there is a need to modify the job description to include a driver, operator 1.” The committee voted to approve a School Bus Operator 1 (CDL) description and a Bus Driver Operator 2 (non-CDL) description, both approved as amended to add expectations about interaction with students.

Why it matters: The district said the new classifications will help differentiate positions in the transportation department and allow the district to hire for non-CDL roles to fill open slots more easily. Committee members pressed for explicit language ensuring drivers interact with students positively and for a preferred qualification to favor applicants with prior work with youth.

During discussion, Committee member Potter asked whether the change required renegotiating the district’s collective bargaining agreement; staff said they did not have contract details available at the meeting. Chair Clark (identified in the transcript as “Madam Clark”) and Doherty said the district will confirm whether union negotiations or contract language are affected before taking any bargaining actions.

Committee members also raised questions about whether school coaches could drive district vehicles. Doherty and others said that allowing coaches to drive buses or district passenger vehicles would require state-level approvals and additional insurance review. As Doherty put it, the district needs to “do our due diligence to review everything and be sure we’re aligned with the state and insurance.” The committee did not adopt any changes related to coaches driving; members characterized that as separate homework for staff.

The committee approved the School Bus Operator 1 description by voice vote “as amended.” The amendment added a bullet under communication/collaboration that requires “the ability to interact with students in a positive and professional manner” to reflect the primary customer for drivers. The Bus Driver Operator 2 (non-CDL) description was approved as amended; the committee added the same student-interaction bullet and a preferred qualification reading “previous work with students preferred.”

Financial impact and contract effects were discussed but not specified at the meeting. Committee members stated the changes are intended to help fill vacancies; no dollar figures or budget lines were presented. Doherty indicated she would follow up with information about any insurance, state approval, or contract implications.

Votes at a glance: both job descriptions were approved by voice vote and recorded in the meeting as passing “as amended.” No formal roll-call tallies were provided in the transcript.

Next steps: Staff will confirm whether the changes affect union contracts, insurance requirements, or require state approvals for particular driver assignments and return any necessary follow-up information to the committee.