Schools across the region are facing shortages in all areas, from teachers to school resource officers. One occupation, critical to student success, is running short of qualified workers - bus drivers.

"Right now we're running - we're doubled up, I'm driving this afternoon, we have two custodians that are driving, they're loaning us. Everyone qualified that's gone through our training we're utilizing," Tony Starnes with Kingsport City Schools Transportation Services said.

There are 5 open positions, according to Starnes.

"Passenger numbers are up to pre-COVID levels and the buses are crowded again," he adds.

Bus drivers like Billy Nelson feel the weight of the shortage.

"Could be low pay, not enough hours in the job or it could be too many hours just depends on the person who's coming through the door," Nelson said.

While it's no surprise that there's a local school bus driver shortage in the states of Tennessee and Virginia, News 5 spoke with transportation services about why.

"It's an aging crew and lots of them have been here for 30 plus years and that's a long time," William Buckles with public transportation for Bristol, Virginia schools said.

Pay recently went up $2 to $18.44 per hour, Buckles said. In Kingsport, drivers are being offered a $250 signing bonus, according to Starnes.