In Bemidji, Minnesota, mornings begin early for Jim and Linda Erickson, but not too early. Their bus route starts right outside their home, where a yellow school bus waits for the day's first riders. 

As the bus sets forth, inside, Jim is behind the wheel, calm and focused, while Linda greets each student with a smile, a word of encouragement, and sometimes even a blanket to start the day. 

This husband-and-wife team has spent the last several years driving and caring for some of Bemidji Area Schools' most special passengers — students with unique needs and big hearts of their own. However, their journey to becoming a SPED driver and bus monitor duo did not begin with a job application, but with love and family. 

A New Chapter After a Transplant 

After retiring from lifelong careers in the medical field, Jim and Linda became foster parents to their grandson, Christian, who has special needs. When the school bus began coming to their home each morning to pick him up, the couple got to know the bus drivers and paraprofessionals who made that routine possible. 

During that time in 2017, Jim faced his own challenge for three months at the University of Minnesota hospital. He was waiting for a heart transplant that would change his life. "A year after the transplant, he felt like he needed to get busy doing something," Linda said. 

"[My grandson's] drivers were very friendly and said that I should come work for the bus," Jim said. "I received a new heart and started to feel better, and while I was looking for something to do, I was talked into interviewing for a bus driver position." 

He couldn't start right away, since the DOT physical required him to wait a full year after the procedure, but once cleared, Jim earned his license and began driving general education routes. "I found the kids so much fun and fell in love with them on my route," Jim said. Eventually, his background in medicine and his experience with Christian led him to a special education route. 

Partners On and Off the Road 

Meanwhile, Linda had been enjoying retirement — until Jim recruited her to join him. It was perfect timing, as two years into retirement, she had become restless at home. 

"Jim convinced me to become a bus monitor," Linda said with a laugh. "I figured it might work for me if the bus was housed at our place, since that is where our route begins, and I wouldn't have to get up so early." 

The arrangement worked out beautifully. Over time, the Ericksons found a rhythm that only 50 years of marriage could produce. "We can communicate with just a look or a nod," Linda said. 

From calming anxious riders to celebrating milestones, they've learned how to handle all kinds of challenges on their special education route. Linda recalled one 4-year-old boy who had trouble adjusting when she first started. 

"He would throw his shoes, socks, and say naughty things to some of the other boys," Linda said. "After a week of this, I told him that if he didn't throw things or say mean things, I would let him watch a children's video on my phone with me. It worked! [...] Today he is a very well-behaved second grader whom I enjoy immensely." 

On the other hand, Jim admits he was nervous about working with his wife at first. "She likes to tell me how to drive," he joked. "This is not a problem on the bus because she sits way in the back, and I can't hear her!" 

Their dedication matches the laughter they share, and their compassion extends beyond their role as transportation professionals. A prime example happens each winter, when they keep extra blankets on board for students. "Our bus has poor heaters, and we give each student a blanket if they want it to help keep them warm. Most of the kids always wait for their blanket, I think, as a security thing," Jim said. 

Proof That Teamwork Fuels Caring Connections 

To their supervisors, Jim and Linda represent the very best of student transportation. "They are a powerful duo," Monica Gregerson, transportation safety manager for Bemidji Area Schools, said. "They understand the ins and outs of each student's needs, and meet them together." 

There is significant upside to employing family members, even if they aren't working directly together. Gregerson notes a lack of personality conflicts and a cohesive team effort, especially from Jim and Linda, a shared understanding of the district's needs, and the ability to fill knowledge gaps amongst themselves. 

"[Jim and Linda] truly make an outstanding team. Their dedication to taking care of all the riders on their bus is evident in everything they do," said Kala Henkensiefken, who recently retired from Bemidji Area Schools after eight years as the special education transportation manager. "Their commitment and kindness are a testament to their professionalism and heart for the students and families they serve." 

For the Ericksons, the work is both simple and profound. "It warms my heart when one of the very little kids waves goodbye," Jim said. 

"I've heard other people say they could never spend that much time with their spouse, and I understand that, but if you have the right relationship, it makes for a great experience working together and making a difference in kids' lives,” Linda said. 

Know a family that works in the 'biz together? Tell us about them for future stories! Email elora.haynes@bobit.com.