School Bus Driver

Position Title: School Bus Driver
Location: Chicago, Illinois, 60618
Reports To: Director of Transportation
F.T.E: Full Time
Salary: $42,029 + Benefits
Start Date: February 2026

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.

Overview
School Bus Driver transports students to and from school and extracurricular events following a scheduled route while ensuring student safety. The Bus Driver will also ensure their vehicles are in good shape and receive proper maintenance for safe operation.

Responsibilities

• Pick up students at stops along established routes and drop them off at school and designated after-school location
• Transport students and faculty to special events, such as field trips or sporting event
• Drive safely along designated routes
• Obey traffic laws, safety procedures, and transit regulations
• Pick up and drop off passengers at designated locations
• Follow a specific timetable while on duty
• Assist passengers with disabilities to get on the bus
• Assist with school monitoring or other tasks as requested by supervisor
• Prevent or stop unruly behavior from passengers
• Reasonably expected to travel distances of up to 100 miles

Requirements (minimum)
Education: High School Diploma

Qualifications

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL-B)
• Passenger Endorsement, School Bus Endorsement, Illinois School Bus Permit
• Successful background check
• Good driving skills and record
• Previous School Experience
• Flexibility in switching bus routes as needed
• Must possess physical ability to perform all required work
• Maintain a professional relationship with supervisors, staff, families, students and the public
• Work independently and in teams to complete job duties and assignments in a timely
• Technology demands
  • Basic knowledge of radio, routing software and attendance software

Physical demands: Sit for extended periods of time. Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry tools, objects, or equipment above shoulder level without assistance. Move up and down stairs easily. Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.

Benefits

• 25+ Paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually (in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions)
• 12 weeks family paid leave
• Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 403b match
• Fully match up to 3%
• 50% match up to 5%
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement
• Gym and wellness discounts
• And more

Description Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

EEO: Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.
Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191