Who is responsible for appointing a substitute bus driver?

The responsibility of appointing a substitute bus driver typically falls to the school principal. This is because the principal plays an integral role in managing school operations and ensuring that students are safely transported. They have the authority to make decisions regarding staffing and can assess the immediate needs of the school, including the requirement for a substitute driver when the regular driver is unavailable.

This decision-making role reflects the principal's responsibility for the overall safety and well-being of students, which encompasses transportation logistics. The principal's direct involvement in school activities positions them as a key figure in ensuring that school policies and procedures are followed correctly when it comes to student transportation.

In contrast, while other individuals listed may have influence or oversight regarding drivers and transportation services, they typically do not engage directly in the immediate appointment of substitutes in the event of a driver's absence. The bus driver, although responsible for their route and a well-functioning bus, does not have the authority to appoint a substitute. The district transportation director and bus company owner operate at a higher level of transportation management and may set policies but generally do not intervene in day-to-day staffing decisions at the school level.