There is always a need for bus drivers, but this year at MHS, it seems as though that need has skyrocketed. Over the course of this year, many teams, clubs, and others have run into issues with recruiting bus drivers to take them to games, meets, tournaments, field trips, events, etc. Many people are finding different solutions, such as vans or other modes of transportation. But Jeff Tjebkes has also stepped up as a solution.
Jeff Tjebkes is a parent at MHS who has recently taken routes as a school bus driver. He works as an engineer at HNI, so he does not do regular routes but takes other jobs for activities.
“Last year, Mr. Heid [the Band Director] sent a note to parents stating that the marching band was having trouble finding bus drivers for their competitions (that requires four drivers on the weekend). I thought that would be a way for me to help the band (while having two kids in the band) since I had experience driving buses, even though it was a long time ago,” said Jeff.
To do this, Jeff had to have a CDL, or commercial driver’s license, which allows you to drive commercial motor vehicles such as a bus.
“Long ago (the 1900s ), when I was going to Iowa State, I was a CyRide transit bus driver for the City of Ames. I really enjoyed that part-time job while studying engineering. After I graduated and moved to Muscatine, I just kept my CDL,” said Jeff.
Having his CDL already made it easier for Jeff, but to drive a school bus, there is more training than just that.
“I found out that adding the school bus endorsement to my CDL wasn’t a simple or quick process. There are new federal regulations that require entry-level driver training when adding that endorsement. So after some written online and in-person testing, I got a school bus driving permit. The school district transportation department paired me up with an experienced driver who trained me on how to inspect and safely operate a school bus,” said Jeff.
The extensive training has turned many potential applicants away from the job.
“It takes quite a lot of training and the DOT testing can be challenging. I studied a lot because several parts of the DOT test must be memorized. So, I think school districts and private bus companies struggle to find candidates that are willing to do all of the training and testing that is required,” said Jeff.
Jeff was able to get through this with the help of his schoolchildren, one of whom is Kamryn Tjebkes, a junior at MHS.
“I love having my dad as a bus driver. I’m able to go up to the front and chat and ask about the drive and whatever else I’m thinking about, which I typically wouldn’t be able to do if he wasn’t driving the bus,” said Kamryn.
Some kids might be embarrassed by their parents coming to all of their activities on the bus, but not Kamryn, she also generally prefers it.
“I do think he is the best driver. I’ve had a few over the years and he just has the smoothest braking and accelerating. He takes pride in how well he drives so it’s no surprise he carried it onto bus driving,” said Kamryn.
A necessity and helpful hand for his kid has turned into an enjoyable activity for Jeff, the school, especially the swim team and band appreciates all he does.
“Yes, I have really enjoyed being a field trip driver for the past few months. I was able to drive the marching band to all of their competitions, and I drove the girl’s swim team to several out-of-town meets. I also helped out during the night of the homecoming parade. I don’t drive that often, but I’m hoping to help with the boy’s swim team and weekend choir competitions this winter,” said Jeff, “But for me, it’s been very enjoyable to work the trips and I look forward to continuing that even after Kason and Kamryn graduate in 2026.”
