VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Vigo County School Corporation is experiencing a bus driver shortage.

With more than 8,000 students who ride a bus to school in the VCSC, the shortage is causing current drivers to take on more routes.

The school corporation’s COO of Transportation, Dr. John Newport, said they are welcoming to all who are interested.

“Give us a call and come out. We will let you sit in the seat and kind of look things through and get a feel for it. We can then talk to you about where we might be able to help with in terms of training that it takes to drive a large vehicle,” said Newport.

Part of that training will be to be able to properly protect the children. Being fully aware of everything that is happening inside and outside of the bus is a must in order to keep everything safe.

With help from the Terre Haute Police Department, drivers can do just that. THPD Sgt. Justin Sears wants to remind everyone to always take caution around these buses.

“The consequences are so severe if you mess up. The children are our community. If you were impatient and decided to drive around a bus because you were impatient and couldn’t wait a few extra seconds, the consequences of someone being severely hurt is a travesty,” said Sears.

School officials also noted there are many rewards to being a bus driver. The impact one can make on these children could change their lives.

“A bus driver has a unique power where they can be that child’s first smile of the day and that child’s last positive greeting of an evening. That opportunity is something our current bus drivers on staff really take to that and really enjoy that connection,” added Newport.

Dr. Newport said there are currently 20 open bus driver positions. If interested, you can contact the VCSC for more information.