School transportation supervisors play a critical role in ensuring students arrive at school safely, reliably, and ready to learn. Despite this responsibility, transportation leadership is often overlooked in district-level conversations about leadership development, organizational support, and employee well-being.
This two-page research brief summarizes findings from my doctoral research examining the lived experiences of school transportation supervisors in Ohio public school districts, with a focus on perceived organizational support, leadership trust, isolation, and burnout.
About the Research
The study used a qualitative research design and included in-depth interviews with six transportation supervisors from Ohio counties.
Participants shared candid insights about their day-to-day responsibilities, leadership challenges, and the types of support that most influenced their job satisfaction, engagement, and long-term sustainability in the role.
This research was recently presented at the OSBA Capital Conference to a standing-room-only audience of superintendents and central office leaders, reinforcing the relevance and urgency of this topic for district leadership teams.
Key Themes Highlighted in the Brief
- Professional isolation as a common experience for transportation supervisors
- Limited voice in district-level decision-making
- The critical role of leadership trust in supervisor engagement and retention
- Burnout as a predictable organizational outcome, not an individual failure
In addition to highlighting these challenges, the brief offers practical, superintendent- and HR-level recommendations for strengthening support structures, improving leadership relationships, and reducing burnout in transportation leadership roles.
Who This Is For
This resource is intended for:
- Superintendents
- Assistant superintendents
- Human resources leaders
- Central office and cabinet-level administrators
- Operations and business leaders
Anyone responsible for developing, supporting, or retaining district leaders in non-instructional roles will find value in this work.
Download the Research Brief
About the Author
Andreas Johansson, PhD, is a public school superintendent and former Director of Operations with direct experience leading school transportation departments. A licensed school bus driver, he has worked alongside transportation staff in both operational and leadership roles.
His research focuses on elevating the voices of transportation supervisors and providing district leaders with actionable, evidence-based strategies to support critical operational leadership roles.