Coalfield, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – When most school principals are preparing for the start of the day, they’re reviewing schedules, meeting with teachers, or handling administrative tasks. At Coalfield School in Morgan County, Principal Tim Hines is doing all of that, but only after driving a school bus route.
Hines has stepped in as a bus driver to help address a critical transportation shortage that threatened to leave some students without a reliable way to get to school.
Each school day, Hines begins his morning behind the wheel, transporting students before arriving at school roughly 10 minutes before classes begin. When the final bell rings at 3:30 p.m., he’s back on the road, taking students home.
Stepping Up When Students Needed a Ride
The situation developed after a shortage of bus drivers put a route at risk for students who had been reassigned from the recently closed Petros-Joyner School.
Rather than see the route canceled, Hines volunteered to take it himself.
“I volunteered,” Hines said. “I said, ‘Look, we can’t do that. I’ll volunteer to do it.'”
Hines credits the staff at Coalfield School with making the arrangement possible.
“Really, I would not be able to do this if it wasn’t for the phenomenal staff that I have,” he said.
While there were questions about whether a principal should also be serving as a bus driver, Hines said the support of teachers and staff has allowed him to continue balancing both responsibilities.
A Leader Who Leads by Example
Those who work alongside Hines say his willingness to step into the role comes as no surprise.
Veteran teacher Kristan Hedrick said the principal has built a reputation for helping wherever he is needed.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all because he leads by example,” Hedrick said. “Anytime there’s help that needs to be done, he just jumps in and doesn’t even hesitate.”
Hedrick said the culture at Coalfield School is built around teamwork, making Hines’ decision feel like a natural extension of the school’s values.
Staff often describe the school community as operating with “one heartbeat,” a philosophy centered on working together for students.
More Than Just Driving
For Hines, the route is about more than solving a staffing issue.
He says one of the best parts of the job is the opportunity to connect with students outside the classroom.
“I truly love driving a bus,” Hines said. “I love seeing where the kids live, taking them home and picking them up in the morning.”
He said being one of the first people students see at the beginning of the day gives him a unique opportunity to encourage them before they enter the classroom.
In a rural community like Coalfield, transportation can be especially important. For some families, losing a bus route could mean students miss school because there is no alternative transportation available.
Committed for the Long Haul
As districts across Tennessee and the nation continue facing challenges in recruiting and retaining school bus drivers, Hines says he is willing to continue driving if it means students can get to school consistently.
For now, the principal plans to remain both an administrator and a bus driver, helping ensure that students arrive safely each day while keeping the school running smoothly.
His commitment has earned praise from staff, students and families, who see his willingness to step up as an example of putting students first.
