For a second time, the Tamaqua mayor has requested that school bus routes avoid a busy, residential section of town. But the school board says let's talk about it.

At Tuesday's regular meeting of the Tamaqua Area Board of Education, the directors read a request from Mayor Christian Morrison asking that buses avoid using streets of the North and Middle wards. In other words, buses shouldn't use that section of town as regular, routine travel routes.In particular, Morrison indicated that Washington Street is one area that needs to be avoided."Instead, use Routes 209 and 309," states the written request.But school directors aren't so sure."We need to look at it," said President Larry Wittig, explaining that "the ramifications of doing that could be tie-ups on Route 209 and 309, and students would have to walk down to those state roads."Superintendent Carol Makuta said the same topic arose previously."In the wintertime we told him we were unable to do that," said Makuta.Wittig said the board needs to consider the impact on the students and the fact that timetables need to be maintained."Our most important consideration is the safety of the students," said Wittig. "We'll have to reach out to the mayor to discuss it."Moreover, the highways of 209 and 309 are seeing backups daily. SR309 is impacted by bridge repairs at the south end of town, plus heavy traffic other times, especially on Farmers Market Wednesday.Worse still are substantial daily tie-ups experienced along US209 where traffic flow has been dramatically hindered by PennDOT's recent changes to light signals.US209 is a federal highway and has issues related to school traffic, especially on West Broad Street.Five schools are located in Tamaqua's west end, including two elementary, a middle school, a high school and a college.All funnel traffic onto US209 and create lengthy backups and traffic jams.Addressing another issue, the board approved the athletic department to pursue the acquisition of a small games of chance license dependent upon a recommendation by the solicitor.Additionally, board member Dan Schoener was elected to a one-year term as treasurer effective July 1.In other action, the board approved the following appointments: Judy Coleman, custodian, June 1, unpaid leave of absence; and 13 summer custodians, including: Tyler Ansbach, Jerome Betz, Matt DelBorrello, Samuel DePue, Anatoly Dermo, Derek Drum, Matt Edmonds, Christian Gardiner, Tyler Groner, Deanna Hill, Caitlin Ligenza, Jared Welsh and Amy Yusella.The board also okayed several leaves of absence for teachers, including Ann Lagowy, high school, from approximately Aug. 22, to Jan. 15, 2013; Lynn Deiter, middle school, maternity leave to commence on or about Aug. 27 to Oct. 31; Amanda Hascin, high school, maternity leave from about Oct. 19, 2012, to about Jan. 16, 2013; Lori Remmel, high school, from about Aug. 22 to Oct. 3; and Maura Streisel, middle school, unpaid leave of absence, May 25.Final budgetThe board approved the final budget with a beginning fund balance of $3,830,913.The budget projects revenue income of $24,683.004; expenses of $25,336,692; and an ending fund balance of $3,177,225 of which $2,026,935 is unassigned and $1,250,290 is committed.