The wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round, but only if there’s a good driver at the helm.

The Lincoln County School District will soon be holding a bus driver school for anyone who might want to fill a vital role in their community by transporting children to school.

School board members Monday night approved Transportation Director Stacy Adcock to hold an emergency bus school. A date has not been set.

Though the district isn’t at a critical stage where double routes are needed, administrators would like to see more drivers available for routes and to serve as substitutes.

“Finding competent bus drivers is a daunting task,” said Superintendent Mickey Myers. “Our buses are well-equipped. We have cameras on the buses. For the most part our children are well-behaved.”

He said the job pays a competitive salary, the hours are good for a part-time job — just mornings and afternoons weekdays — and state insurance is available.

But the district isn’t looking for someone who just wants to do it for the money. They want someone who will be good for the students.

“A lot of people just don’t want that responsibility to transport children,” he said. “It takes a special person to fill that role. It’s a vital role in the district. You can’t teach the children until you get them there.”

Myers often looks to teachers and coaches to fill in spots when substitute drivers are needed.

“The coaches really help when there’s a shortage,” he said. “If it’s not their sports season, many of our coaches will drive a substitute route. I even have a CDL and available if necessary and haven’t driven in a while, but I can.”

The district runs 35 buses, or around eight buses at each of the four campuses — West Lincoln, Loyd Star, Bogue Chitto and Enterprise.

Those with valid CDLs already need to get certified every two years.

Myers hopes many people will show interest in driving for the district. He’s asking individuals to call the district at 601-835-0011.

“We’d be very happy to sit down and talk with them,” he said.