Mahoning Valley - As Valley students prepare to head back to school, many districts are facing a critical challenge: a shortage of bus drivers.

Donald Mook, Columbiana School District superintendent told 21 News they do not have enough bus drivers going into the new school year.  Mook and three of his principals will be enrolling in courses to earn their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to give the district an extra set of hands.

"We have a shortage and what better way to serve our district and community than to be available in addition to the job we're doing," Mook said. 

Howland schools are also facing a shortage, that's why the bus mechanics and transportation supervisor will be getting behind the wheel this school year.

In Poland, the superintendent, Craig Hockenberry said they barely have enough bus drivers, and could likely find themselves in a bind if they have any call-offs. The school district is banking on ideas like job fairs and dual contracts, to give drivers the option to work for the school during the day.

"You can be an instructional aid in our school district, you can be a cook, you can be a custodian, or perform another contracted task for us. So that way people are employed all day instead of stopping and coming back." Hockenberry said.