Butler Area School District Bus Driver Honored for Decades of Service

Kim Lokhaiser recognized with state RISE Award for her 32 years of driving and helping students

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Kim Lokhaiser, a bus driver with the Butler Area School District in Pennsylvania, is being honored with a state RISE Award for her over three decades of service. In addition to her morning bus routes, Lokhaiser also works as a paraprofessional at another district school, helping children throughout the day.

Why it matters

Lokhaiser's dedication and positive attitude towards her work with students over such a long period of time is being recognized as an inspiring example of the important role school employees can play in the lives of young people. Her story highlights the often unsung contributions of bus drivers and other support staff in school districts.

The details

Lokhaiser has been a bus driver for the Butler Area School District for 32 years. In addition to her morning bus routes, she also works as a paraprofessional at another district school for five hours a day, helping children. The Pennsylvania Department of Education cited Lokhaiser's longevity and her commitment to supporting students beyond just transportation as reasons for honoring her with a state RISE (Recognizing Inspiring School Employees) Award.

  • Lokhaiser has been a bus driver for the Butler Area School District for 32 years.
  • Lokhaiser was recently recognized with a state RISE Award.

The players

Kim Lokhaiser

A bus driver with the Butler Area School District in Pennsylvania who has been driving for 32 years and also works as a paraprofessional at another district school, helping children.

Dr. Carrie Rowe

The Secretary of Education for the state of Pennsylvania.

Brian White

The superintendent of the Butler Area School District.

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What they’re saying

“First, we have the longevity of doing anything for 30 years.”

— Dr. Carrie Rowe, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education

“I think her attitude is so positive. And the relationships she's built with kids are so special.”

— Brian White, Butler Area School District Superintendent

“The kids. The kids keep me going. If they didn't make me like it, I would probably find another profession.”

— Kim Lokhaiser

What’s next

Lokhaiser is also in contention for the National RISE Award, which was won by someone from the Butler Area School District last year.

The takeaway

Lokhaiser's story highlights the vital role that school support staff like bus drivers play in the lives of students, and how their dedication and positive attitudes can make a lasting impact. Her long tenure and commitment to going above and beyond her duties are an inspiring example of the difference school employees can make.