After a lifetime of service to the Waterloo School District and community, longtime bus driver Mr. Dale Buck, known affectionately as "Bucky," has announced he will be stepping down from his driving responsibilities.

“I didn’t mean to do this for that long,” Mr. Buck said, reflecting on his 53 year career. That’s over half a century in service of the Waterloo School District, and the district is thankful for every single minute of it. “The kids are what kept me around.You’ve got to love kids if you’re gonna do this job.”

“Dale is a staple of Waterloo” said Mr. D’allah Laffoon, transportation supervisor at Waterloo CSD. “It’s been great working with him, and we appreciate all of the routes he’s driven for us. I respect the decision he’s made not to drive any longer.”

Not many people can say they’ve done the same job for over 50 years, let alone 53. Mr. Buck’s career dates back to the early 1970’s, when he joined the district as a substitute driver.

“Back then I was farming, and having some financial difficulties,” Mr. Buck admitted. “I got my bus driving license and began in the spring of 1972 to help pay the bills. I was offered a full-time run that fall.”

Eventually, the financial issues with Mr. Buck's farm were smoothed out, and it was tempting for him to return to farming full-time. On more than one occasion, Mr. Buck almost stopped driving. Thankfully, he never did.

Mr. Buck’s work has always revolved around school transportation.

“I was the transportation supervisor for seven years during the 1990’s, and I conducted Article 19 exams for other districts,” Mr. Buck said. There’s an expansive learning tree of drivers who are disciples of Mr. Buck, who now drive for Waterloo and for other districts in the area. He also played a role in designing Waterloo CSD’s current transportation facility. Of course, he’s also driven his share of different buses, and witnessed firsthand how they have evolved over the years.

“When we had to make a u-turn, we used to have to put our foot up on the dashboard to turn the wheel,” Mr. Buck recounted with a smile. “Today’s buses are built so much safer and better than anything we had back in the day. There’s built-in power steering, power brakes…things we didn’t have back in the day.”

No matter what equipment he or his fellow drivers operated, Waterloo Central School’s Transportation Department maintained a stellar reputation for safety. There hasn’t been a serious injury on a Waterloo school bus since 1963. 

“When I was supervisor, there were never incidents that could be blamed on a driver,” Mr. Buck said. 

In March 2022, Mr. Buck reached the 50 year milestone. To celebrate, students and staff from all over the district coordinated with Mr. Buck’s fellow drivers to do a parade in his honor. 

“We had a couple of news stations show up,” Mr. Laffoon recalled. “Over 30 buses, including many from neighboring districts, came out as well. Many of those drivers had been trained by Mr. Buck.”

Students and staff from each building held up signs celebrating his decades of contributions to the district.

“I was overwhelmed by the community support,” Mr. Buck said. 

He may not be driving anymore, but Mr. Buck will continue to support the department behind-the-scenes with Article 19 examinations and more.

“If my health cooperates and the district needs me, I’ll be around,” he said. “I was born and grew up here. I love living in the country, and being a part of this community.”

The foundation Mr. Buck built for the Waterloo CSD Transportation Department, from the facilities to the many drivers he’s trained, are the result of 53 years of his dedicated service to our students, staff and community. Even though he has made his final run, his work will ensure safe and engaging bus runs can continue for years and even decades to come.