There is a dire need for substitute bus drivers to transport students in the Covington County School System.

The announcement was made Monday at a special called board meeting to approve the retirement resignation of Marcella Freeney, a teacher at Red Level Elementary School. Her retirement will be effective Jan. 31; however, Superintendent Terry Holley said he wanted to make the announcement now so that interviews could be done over the holiday break.

As the meeting came to a close, Holley said the system’s four new buses arrived earlier in the day, which meant they would be put into rotation when school returned to session in January.

Holley said he’s also asked area principals to think of ways to entice substitute school bus drivers.

“I would venture to say that all three systems are in need of substitute drivers,” he said. “There have been many instances where coaches, teachers and even principals have been pressed into service because there wasn’t a substitute available.”

Holley said currently, the system pays $40 per day for substitutes – a figure he said, “is hardly worth the effort” of the driver.

“We’re going to have to do something to get people interested (in the position),” he said. “The need is incredible.”

Holley said drivers must have a CDL license and pass a state-certified bus driver training school. Drivers are also allowed to designate which area of the county they would live to drive in, he said.

“If you’re interested, please contact the central office or your local principal,” Holley said.

The central office can be reached at 334-222-7571.