If you’ve seen a green school bus with graffiti plastered all over it, you don’t need to have your eyes checked. It’s a new project of Hamilton County Superintendent of Schools Martha Butler. Children will be invited to join school board members, church leaders, teachers and community leaders on the bus for reading and craft times.

“I want to reach children in their environment and I wanted our principals and school leaders to see where our kids come from,” Butler told the Jasper News. “Many of our parents can’t attend school functions, so I wanted to take the classroom to the kids. I want to put books into the hands of our children so they can learn the joy of reading.”

As for the cost of the project, it was minimal.

“I used a surplus bus and inmate labor to paint it,” Butler said. “Luckily, we had an inmate who was the designer and artist for all the painting. The only cost incurred was the cost for the paint.”

Currently, surplus books, craft supplies and anything else that anyone is willing to donate is being collected for use on the bus. Butler has enlisted local elected officials, churches, and businesses to help stock the bus – and join in on the rides as well.

“My staff has saved their hotel soaps, shampoos and conditioners that we will have available for the pastors to distribute,” she said.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution to this effort is encouraged to contact the School Board office for more information.