Public Charter School Van Driver (SB 88 Compliant) at Aspire Public Schools
Aspire Public Schools · Modesto, United States Of America · Onsite
- Professional
- Office in Modesto
Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through—Aspire 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 Aspire’s 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 12954’s 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 50,000 miles (whichever comes first);
- Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 18 years old with a valid California driver’s 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 driver’s 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 Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876, or the medical examiner’s 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 Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876, or the medical examiner’s 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
- First aid certification (e.g., American Red Cross–equivalent).
- Must have completed initial and subsequent training and acquired proficiency in all of the following areas:
- Pre-trip vehicle inspections
- Safe loading and unloading of passengers
- Safe use of seat belts and restraints
- Emergency response procedures (collisions, evacuations, medical events)
- Defensive Driving
- Driving in inclement weather, low-visibility, or nighttime conditions
- Supporting students with disabilities or unique needs
2) Minimum educational level:
- High school diploma or GED
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 Examiner’s 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
- Hourly Rate: $25.00/hour
- Mileage Reimbursement: Provided when use of personal vehicle is authorized
- This is a non-benefitted, part-time position due to its on-call nature
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.
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