GASTON CO., N.C. -- Gaston County school buses are getting new looks that could ease the district’s budget concerns.

It’s the first district in the state to sell advertising space on buses, and it’s a move that some parents welcome.

Several people told Eyewitness News any measure that could benefit children’s educations was a good one.

But other parents, like Patricia Taylor, think education and advertising should be kept separate. Taylor has three children in the Gaston County School System.

“I think they should use money that we are paying out of our payroll tax,” she said.

According to Bonnie Reidy, the district’s spokeswoman, that money just isn’t enough.

“Budgets have been cut,” Reidy said.

She added that the district was just lucky that it didn’t have to lay anyone off in the face of an $11 million shortfall. Next year, officials said they anticipate a $7-$9 million shortfall.

“We are all struggling to have enough funds,” Reidy said.

A company called Say It Here Communications proposed the new advertising plan. The school system pays nothing and doesn’t seek out clients.

“We will get 70 percent after the cost,” Reidy said.

A representative from the advertising company said the school system could make $100,000 a year from the advertisements, which will only be placed on their white activity buses.

And, according to Reidy, this step to increase funds may just be the beginning. She said as long as there are budget shortfalls, the district will look for new and inventive ways to avoid cuts in the classroom.

She added that all of the ads have to be approved by the school system before they are placed on buses. They must have a character-based, educational message.