Located north of Muskegon along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Reeths-Puffer Schools is a district of more than just classrooms and curriculum. It’s a community — and the dedicated team at the Dean Transportation Muskegon Giles location is a vital part of its operations.
A fleet of 34 buses and one Rocket Express van diligently transport approximately 4,200 students every school day across a 77-square-mile district. However, the true strength of this department lies within its 40 employees.
Dean has partnered with the district since 2015. Led by Transportation Director Patricia Harpster, who has been with the transportation office for the past 25 years, the team has eclectic backgrounds that bring depth to their roles.
From Jim Flood, a captain of the USS LST 393 museum ship, to former Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington, and Frank Swiatek, who was once part of the Sheriff’s Department, their experiences are wide-ranging. The team also includes former truck drivers; Wendy Boonstra, a former teacher; Ernie Norwood, who used to own a car lot; Deb Tjapkes, a former restauranteur; Robert Anderson, a real estate agent; and Ken Dodge, a musician, hot-dog enthusiast, minister and pilot.
What unites this diverse group is a shared dedication to the students.
“Instead of retiring, they have chosen to work for the good of our students and their future,” Harpster said. “Bus driving is not just a job; your vacation is your vocation. … They are doing their part to help our society … and they all love the job.”
This commitment fosters a supportive environment. For example, Annette Fortier, a driver for students with disabilities, sews blankets for her students to use during the winter. Fortier’s husband, Randy, also a driver, brings joy to the students by dancing with them (safely, of course!). Fortier also teaches her students to knit. Additionally, there’s a teacher who records drivers reading books for National Reading Month, connecting students with stories in a unique way.
Harpster expresses pride in her department’s accomplishments. Beyond their daily commitment to safe transportation, several drivers have established a local shop selling their crafts. The team also contributes to the community by regularly cleaning up litter along the main road and participating in National Reading Month activities.
“I have the best department,” she said. “No matter the situation, our employees all step in to help each other; they are like family.”
Looking ahead, Harpster and her team are focused on enhancing student safety. They are collaborating with the district on a sidewalk project around the school and main roads. They also hope funding goes through for an awning to protect vehicles from snow.
Harpster’s advice to other school districts is simple: “Be kind. Also, hire kind-hearted employees — you will never regret it.”
