Description
Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998in an effort to transform the inequitable racial social and gender outcomes that our communities persist throughAspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.
Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college career and life. At Aspire we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge skills and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day our community of students families teachers and staff comes together to learn work and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being) Culture of Belonging Community Partnership Agency & Self-Determination and Joy.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Public Charter School Van Driver (SB 88 Compliant) (Driver) supports equitable student access to education by providing safe reliable transportation for Aspire students including those participating in extracurricular activities or facing attendance barriers. The Driver plays a vital role in fostering student well-being and belonging directly contributing to Aspires mission of ensuring all scholars are prepared empowered and supported on their path to academic and personal success. This position requires frequent driving including to off-campus locations often on the weekends/evenings/early mornings and at times on short notice.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Student Transportation
Drives a van or other passenger vehicle over a designated route according to a schedule with assigned routes to pick up and discharge students at authorized stops as defined under Education Code Section 38975 et seq.;
Transports students between Aspire schools and school-related-related activities supervising pupil conduct during transport to assure safe vehicle operation and compliance with Aspire policies and procedures;
Fulfills the specific transportation requirements for students as identified in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as applicable;
Remain on-call and available for assignments during school hours evenings mornings and weekends with short-notice flexibility;
Establishes and maintains effective communication and working relationships with Aspire personnel parents and students;
Delivers school equipment supplies or documents between campuses when needed
Student Safety and Support
Provides first aid or emergency assistance as needed and conducts periodic emergency evacuation and safety orientation drills for students and adult passengers;
Operates a lift or ramp to load and unload students in wheelchairs as required;
Assists and escorts students on and off the van when they need support;
May assist with student supervision as a non-driver as needed;
Participates in Aspire in-service and training programs as required
Serve as a mandated reporter under California Penal Code; report any suspected child abuse or neglect;
Vehicle Safety and Maintenance
Complies with drug and alcohol testing consistent with Vehicle Code section 34520.3 subject to Government Code section 12954s limitations regarding off-duty cannabis use
Performs daily pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections consistent with California Senate Bill 88 (SB 88) including checks for brakes lights tires mirrors and fluid levels and submits daily and other reports as required by law;
Maintain a daily log sheet and complete a daily pre-trip inspection of the vehicle being driven that day which shall include all of the following: a check of the operability of all lights initialed by the driver before the vehicle is first driven in service that day; a check for fluid leaks initialed by the driver before the vehicle is first driven in service that day; and a check for the operability of the brakes initialed by the driver before the vehicle is driven in service that day.
Maintains vehicle cleanliness on a daily basis and performs regular vehicle maintenance checks reporting maintenance needs;
Services van or other vehicles such as but not limited to washing waxing fueling and maintaining tires;
Ensures that vehicles pass a 19-point inspection at a facility licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Report every 12 months or 50000 miles (whichever comes first);
Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
At least 18 years old with a valid California drivers license appropriate for the vehicle class
Proof of satisfactory driving record that includes none of the following:
Any violation that resulted in a conviction and assigned a violation point count of two or more in the past 3 years;
Having had driving privileged suspended revoked or on probation for any reason involving the unsafe operation of a motor vehicle during the past three years; or
Having been determined by the CA DMV to be a negligent or incompetent operator.
Must be enrolled in the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) program
Pass a criminal background check including fingerprint clearance consistent with Education Code section 45125
Not have demonstrated irrational behavior to the extent that a reasonable and prudent person would have reasonable cause to believe that the drivers ability to perform the duties of a driver may be impaired.
Mandated Reporter compliance as required by law
TB risk assessment clearance (negative result)no exemption allowed after July 1 2025
Have completed a medical examination within the last two years by a physician licensed to practice medicine a licensed advanced practice registered nurse qualified to perform a medical examination a licensed physician assistant or a licensed doctor of chiropractic listed on the most current National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners as adopted by the United States Department of Transportation; provide to GPA a copy of the Medical Examiners Certificate Form MCSA-5876 or the medical examiners certificate of clearance. Individuals whom GPA employs must also complete a medical examination pursuant to Education Code section 39877(9) every two years after the initial examination and provide to GPA a copy of the Medical Examiners Certificate Form MCSA-5876 or the medical examiners certificate of clearance to GPA; and the same within the same month of reaching 65 years of age and each 12th month thereafter as applicable.
Subject to drug and alcohol testing requirements under Vehicle Code 34520; cannabis testing excluded unless performance concerns arise
Comply with maximum driving hours: No more than 10 hours driving or 16 hours on duty per day following 8 hours off-duty
1) Required Licenses and Training
2) Minimum educational level:
3) Experience required:
A minimum of three years of driving experience with a clean record
Preferred: Prior experience transporting students working in schools or providing transportation services for youth or special needs populations
Familiarity with:
Conducting pre-trip inspections
Trip logging and basic documentation
Navigating routes across Modesto Stockton and Sacramento (preferred but not required)
4) Physical requirements:
Sit for extended periods of time (up to 8-10 hours with breaks)
Perform vehicle inspections including bending squatting crawling kneeling reaching under vehicle opening hood
Must be able to occasionally lift carry push and/or pull objects of not more than 50 lbs
Assist students in safely entering/existing the vehicle including helping with seat belts etc.
Have clear vision and hearing with or without corrective aids sufficient for safe vehicle operation
Pass a DOT medical examination every 1-2 years including vision hearing and general physical fitness for driving duties and provide a copy of the Medical Examiners Certificate or Certificate of Clearance to Aspire
Work environment:
On-the-Road & School-Based: This role requires daily travel across Aspire campuses in Modesto Stockton and Sacramento. Work is primarily performed in a vehicle with time spent outdoors during pickups drop-offs and inspections.
Variable Conditions: Drivers will encounter a range of weather conditions (sun humidity rain heat cold wind fog) traffic congestion and school-site activity. Constant exposure to loud noise fumes smoke and dust are expected. Calmness and adaptability in dynamic student-centered environments are essential.
Fast-Paced & Responsive: This position supports on-call and scheduled assignments. The ability to respond to last-minute requests navigate efficiently and maintain student safety in a fast-paced school system is critical.
Safety-Focused Culture: Compliance with SB 88 and Aspire safety protocols is non-negotiable. Drivers must maintain a high level of situational awareness focus and professionalism throughout each assignment.
Collaborative Setting: While often working independently the role requires frequent communication with school staff operations teams and regional leadership. A collaborative service-minded attitude is important.
Wage and Compensation
This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities and may include additional duties as assigned. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.
Aspire Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color gender religion age sexual orientation national or ethnic origin disability marital status veteran status or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Aspire promotes affirmative action for minorities women disabled persons and veterans.