THOUGHT LEADER
What to Do When a Supervisor Directs You to Do Something You Know Is Wrong?
Written by Linda F. Bluth, Ed.D. F
ortunately, I can express without hesitation there have been limited times in my career working in the field of school transportation for chil- dren with disabilities that I have been requested
and/or directed to do something I undisputably know is wrong. This awkward circumstance can leave one feeling apprehensive and vulnerable. If you find yourself in this position, it’s imperative to handle the situation cautiously and promptly. I always take into consideration if my supervisor may lack the necessary information or knowledge that creat- ed this regrettable circumstance. If so, my first step is to share the school district’s policies and procedures with my supervisor and to request a modification in the origi- nal request to do something that I think is wrong. If not successful, here are some steps to consider:
Carefully Evaluate and Confirm Your Understanding of the Current Situation • Confirm your understanding regarding your su- pervisor’s directive that you do not agree with.
• Reconsider if the request is compliant with current school district written policies and procedures.
• Confirm your concern that your supervisor’s re- quest may be unlawful.
• Confirm your concern that your supervisor’s re- quest may be considered unethical and in conflict with school district transportation policies or procedures.
• Review if your supervisor’s request is consistent with school transportation industry best practices in your state and the National Congress on School Transportation (NCST) most recent (2025) recom- mendations.
• Compile and share all relevant data, written doc- umentation and information that validates your commitment to not doing something you know is wrong.
48 School Transportation News • OCTOBER 2026
Communicate Your Concerns to Your Supervisor Promptly make an appointment to meet with your
supervisor to review your concerns. • Request to meet with your supervisor privately and respectfully communicate your concerns.
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Provide your supervisor with relevant data, written documentation and information to support your position.
• Suggest resolutions to your supervisor that align and support school district written policies and procedures and school transportation industry best practices.
• Try to resolve your differences and concerns, if possible.
When Necessary, Escalate and Request Assistance Re-examine the request from your supervisor prior to explaining to a third party your rationale for not being willing to implement your supervisor’s directive to do something you know is wrong and in conflict with the school district’s policies and procedures. •
If you were unsuccessful in resolving your differ- ence of opinion with your supervisor, follow the school district policies and procedures to request assistance to resolve the directive. In most in- stances this means contacting the school district’s human resources office.
• Keep a record that accurately documents all inter- actions with your supervisor.
• Be prepared for your records to become public information in accordance with your school dis- trict’s policies and procedures.
• Never discuss the current situation with other school district employees.
Defend Yourself Against the Risk of Liability If confronted with an unethical or illegal request from your supervisor, a recommended next step is to request
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