At the last scheduled Jim Thorpe Area School Board meeting, the board discussed the status of the football stadium.

Last school year, renovations had been done on the stadium field.The board discussed a report about the recommendations for the field following the renovations.Board Director, Randall Smith stated that the report said the surface in the stadium can be damaged irreparably if there is too much usage.He also stated that the report also suggested not to play more than 4 or 5 sporting events a week on the field.This school year the football home games will be played in the stadium. Also, the boys and girls varsity soccer teams will each play 2 games in the stadium.The board will discuss what will be done regarding what games will be played in the stadium next year.Also discussed, Athletic Department Volunteer and JT Area Substitute teacher, John Marchione, stated that he was looking into new soccer goals being donated to the district.In other news, Superintendent Barbara Conway discussed the common core curriculum standards.Conway stated that the district is working to align the curriculum with the common core standards. The district is starting with mathematics in Kindergarten through 5th grade.The curriculum is a working document and teachers will be able to make notes. The working document will be able to be revised.Recently teachers in the school district partook in training for implementing the common core into the curriculum.The district will begin working on implementing the common core standards for language arts in kindergarten through 5th grade next.In other news, questions were raised about the parking fee for students to park in the student parking lot.Students that wish to park in the student parking lot at the JT High School are now required to pay a $50 fee.School Board Director, Pearl Downs-Sheckler stated that when the students apply for the parking pass the district knows that the car is registered, there is proof of insurance, and that students have a license. The student then gets a spot with a number on it and the student can be held accountable.She also stated, "It also takes money off your tax dollars."Board Director, Robert Schaninger stated that the fee also helps to maintain the parking lots."We are looking for ways to help the students to waive the $50 fee," stated School Director, Gerald Strubinger.Board Vice President, William Allison stated, "We are still discussing things."