Everyday People: Three Astoria school bus drivers take the wheel
Published 7:49 am Tuesday, January 27, 2026
By AISLIN TWEEDY
The Astorian
For decades, Debbie Christensen, Rose Demos and Betty Vinsonhaler have been among the first Astoria School District employees students see each morning. Between early routes, after-school drops-offs and extracurricular trips, the three drivers have transported generations of children and watched them grow from wide-eyed kindergarteners into adults with families of their own.
Christensen and Demos both began driving when their children were young. They fit neatly into family life and offered stability.
“When I started, I had two of my three kids in school,” Christensen said. “The schedule worked with my family and it helped add income to our household.”
Demos said the structure was a major draw.
“You have nights and weekends off unless you choose to do trips,” she said. “When the kids didn’t have school, most of the time we were off, too.”
Vinsonhaler came to the job after a move to Astoria from Longview. She was working the graveyard shift at a rehabilitation facility while raising two young boys.
“I saw the yellow school bus with the banner saying Astoria School District was hiring,” Vinsonhaler said. “I thought, ‘That would be perfect.’”
She is now in her 17th year.
“On my first day of driving alone I took a wrong turn on a one-way road and was facing a tennis court parked in someone’s driveway,” she said. “I had to call the bus barn and the secretary at the time, Tammy Arnold, came to rescue me. It’s funny now.”
Over the years, favorite memories have come not from a single moment, but from relationships built over time.
“Being able to drive trips and sports with my kids and watching a tremendous number of students grow up has been special,” Christensen said. “I’ve seen how their lives turned out and what they’re doing now as adults.”
Demos said former students still reach out years later.
“I’ve had many students call me their extra mom,” she said. “Now I’m even having some call me an extra grandma.”
Vinsonhaler said working with younger students created moments of joy during daily routes.
“Playing games with the little Astor students to keep them occupied and in their seats was always fun,” she said. “‘Bus Driver Says’ and ‘Going on a Camping Trip’ were favorites.’ The feeling of their laughter is the best.”
The job also came with challenges. Early mornings and long routes require focus and consistency.
“The early morning hours can be tough,” Demos said. “But you do get to see some of the most beautiful sunrises.”
Christensen said knowing students by name is essential but not always easy.
“You may be learning close to 200 names between morning and afternoon routes,” she said. “Students change weekly as families move in and out.”
Vinsonhaler said the hardest part is knowing that time with each group of students is limited.
“They grow into a new route, move away or graduate and start adulting,” she said.
Watching students grow up is one of the most meaningful aspects of the job.
“It has been a blessing to watch almost four generations of students become adults,” Demos said. “Years later, you still try to recall their names when you run into them.”
Vinsonhaler said those reunions often bring a mix of pride and nostalgia.
“I miss the little them,” she said. “Now the conversations are about their families, their jobs and their children. I still love those answers.”
Together, Christensen and Demos have driven for a combined 75 years. Vinsonhaler has expanded her role by becoming a behind-the-wheel trainer.
“Helping others accomplish becoming a driver has become a passion,” Vinsonhaler said. “The rules and regulations have changed a lot over the years, allowing for safer experiences.”
All three hope more people consider joining the transportation department.
“We’re often looking for new drivers,” Christensen said. “It’s a great job if you want to be on the same schedule as your students.”
Demos agreed.
“We would love to see others experience the joy we’ve found here.”
