School board reviews new part-time bus driver job description and searches for replacement special-education buses

Human resources presented a new part-time bus driver job description March 24 that the district said would be classified at pay grade R107 and include verification of prior driving experience for step placement.

The HR representative said R107 has a starting hourly rate of $22.78 and a top of $34.18 (experienced), and compared the district’s approach to Murfreesboro’s part-time scale. Board members asked whether large buses require a commercial driver’s license and whether SPED buses follow the same pay scale; staff replied drivers can be assigned to different bus sizes per operational needs and said the district is considering a combined special-education EA-plus-driver full-time position (with benefits) if recruitment shortfalls persist.

On procurement, administrators reported a used 42-passenger bus the district hoped to buy from Central States (price discussed at roughly $115,000) was purchased by another entity before the district could finalize the purchase. The purchasing agent is continuing to search for available new or used buses and advised that purchases from established companies (LLCs) simplify procurement and compliance with county finance rules.

Board members suggested vendor leads (including an out-of-state dealer with inventory) and asked whether the district can buy from contractors; staff said any purchase would have to meet county purchasing rules and Kelley Blue Book or finance checks. Administration said options include waiting for new buses with possible August delivery or finding another used vehicle that meets special-education accessibility needs.

Next steps: staff will continue vendor outreach, vet options for contractor sales against procurement rules, and return updates at the next meeting.