As Gwinnett County students head back to school next week, the school district is still looking for more than 60 bus drivers.

The number pales in comparison with the 1,900 bus drivers it employs. But spokesman Bernard Watson tells me it’s not just a problem in Gwinnett.

“This is a nationwide problem,” he says.  “Ever since the economy started getting better, school systems around the country have had problems attracting qualified bus drivers.”

Watsons the school district also has a vigorous training program for its drivers.

He says the shortage will not affect students when school begins Monday. Enough drivers will be in place to cover all 7,900 routes.

“All of our resources are being dedicated to handling that situation,” he says.