The Houston Independent School District is launching a school bus ad campaign to make extra money.

HISD has already sold 50 ads to the College Board. The district said it is hoping for many more.

It's a small ad on a big bus, but it's going to bring HISD much-needed money.

Pershing Middle School Principal Robin Lowe said she's feeling the cuts to the budget at her school and thinks this will bring a small amount of relief.

"My parents are so worried about the budget cuts, and me having to cut teaching units, that I think any way to generate revenue that keeps teachers in the classroom, they will applaud," said Lowe.

The new school bus ad campaign is meant to do just that. Anticipating a huge cut in next year's education budget, the district is following others that are already seeing the profits. HISD officials said that while they considered ads last year, they just couldn't see any reason to turn it away this year.

"We are facing a $160 million shortfall and we're looking at generating additional revenue," HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier said.

The cheapest ads costs $175 per month. The district has about 900 buses on the road every day. If an ad was placed on every single bus in the cheapest ad, it could bring in $157,500 a month. HISD would receive most of the revenue.

HISD said regulations will make sure appropriate ads make it on the buses. The district will also regulate how big the ads are and where they are placed, making sure they do not distract drivers as students enter and exit the buses.

Eight school districts in the Houston area have ads on buses. Humble ISD was the first in 2008.

HISD is beginning its program with an ad campaign by the College Board that is aimed at encouraging students to get a higher education.