The main reason the Houston bus drivers enjoy their jobs are the kids and families of Houston Schools. Roy Loken called his preschool bus route his therapy; Loken commented, “Preschoolers tell you everything!” as John Beckman agreed with a chuckle.
Roy Loken shared the story of a three-year-old girl who informed him she’d been a farmer a long time ago. When he asked how long ago, asking if it was a year ago or two, she responded, “I was a farmer when I was a baby!” The drivers declared that Houston has the best kids and families. They often get gifts from families at Christmas and at the end of the year. Both parents and kids write thank you notes in cards; a poster declaring love for the bus drivers adorns the wall in the bus garage.
Loken shared a story about one Halloween. He had told his riders that they shouldn’t try bringing candy on the bus, but if they did, they needed to be sure to throw away the wrappers or parents would be contacted. He also informed the kids that his favorite candy was Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Snickers. Shortly after Halloween, the students showed up with a huge metal mixing bowl heaping with chocolates for him! Loken is currently driving bus for children of people that rode his bus as students.
The drivers are a small, caring team with everyone helping each other out. If one driver has problems, the others will jump in and pick up students for him if needed. Houston had four van routes and five bus routes. Most of the drivers have driven for many years; many of them are Houston alums. Ron Belongie has driven for the longest time. John Beckman has driven for 18 years; Roy Loken has driven for Houston for 12 years as well as in La Crosse. A teacher and two paras drive vans for the school.
According to Roy Loken, buses have changed over the years. When he first got his CDL in 1980, he drove a 5 x 2, a standard five-speed with a button to switch from high to low range.
When John Beckman began the buses were automatic with one straight six-speed. “Buses are much easier to drive now; the biggest thing to worry about is the tail spin,” Loken explained. “I can parallel park my bus better than my Traverse!”
Both Carlson and Loken have driven buses for other school districts as well. Carlson drove in Winona and Loken drove in La Crosse. The two men have worked as trainers for new bus drivers. They pointed out that a big problem in the bigger districts was the heavier traffic with other drivers blowing through stop signs or tailgating. Drivers don’t always realize that the bus drivers can’t see them at all when they are that close. Bus drivers are trained to slow down if they are being tailgated to provide space and time to react. Loken commented, “Forty-foot vehicles don’t stop on a dime!”
It helps if drivers also dim their headlights when following a bus. Beckman acknowledged that other drivers complain about the bus LED headlights, but shared that the headlights really help them to see the ever prevalent deer.
“The biggest challenge for the Houston drivers is the weather,” Carlson declared. He remembered starting to slide off a local road recently. He encouraged property owners, the county and township to do their best to take care of the roads, noting that they do respond well when contacted.
Loken commented that the drivers know their limitations – it’s the other drivers they worry
about. He and Superintendent Mary Morem communicate about transportation concerns and possible school cancellations.
Each route is about an hour and 15 minutes; the drivers drive over 80 miles a day. Ron Belongie picks up students in Hokah who live in La Crescent and Brownsville. John Carlson picks up open enrollment students in the Witoka and Ridgeway areas.
Between routes, Carlson is very involved in wood carving, juggling, clowning, playing the guitar and caring for his ducks, geese and goats. Both John Beckman and Doug Jore farm, raising beef and crops.
Loken spends more time at the bus garage each day and covers some shuttle routes during the day. Loken is in charge of lining up service for the buses. Schmitz Bus Service of Caledonia does the regular service for the Houston buses and Dahl Truck of La Crosse takes on the tougher jobs.
Currently, the district is actively seeking an additional driver, substitute drivers and a director of transportation. Superintendent Morem is the acting director at this time. She has digitized some things to make things more automated while Loken takes care of the physical daily items at the bus garage.
Morem declared that the Houston drivers are very dedicated to the community and don’t want to lose the local bus owned by the school. “We couldn’t do it without them!” she exclaimed.
Morem plans to celebrate the drivers this year with treats, cards and a shout out in the Fillmore County Journal.
Happy Bus Driver Appreciation Week!
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