The Jim Thorpe School Board voted to ratify the District Transportation Policy Monday evening.

The policy was already being enforced but the board voted to ratify the policy and have it on paper."It's (ratifying the policy) more of a clarity on our existing policy we have," stated Director of Transportation and Security, William Juracka.The policy states that students cannot switch between buses and attend numerous bus stops on a regular basis. Bus passes can be given out to students in case of an emergency.The district has received numerous requests for students to switch buses and it would be difficult to keep track of these students switching around."For the most part we haven't had a problem. They (the parents) understand," said Juracka.Board member, Gerald Strubinger, questioned if it was state mandated to have a seat available on a bus for every student.Superintendent Barbara Conway stated, "Yes."Bus drivers log how many students ride the bus each day. Some board members discussed how there are so many seats for students on the buses and many don't utilize the bus (i.e. getting rides, driving etc...)Other issues dealing with transportation were also discussed at the meeting.Robert Schaninger discussed during public comment that he feels the topic of two tier busing needs to end and other issues with busing need to be focused on. Schaninger mentioned spray foams in the engine in case of fire and alarm systems in the back of buses.Two tier busing would mean the district would cut its use of buses down by half. If this were to happen the elementary students and high school students would share the buses and go into school and leave school at different times. Two tier busing has been suggested by Strubinger in the past.He stated, "As far as I'm concerned until we get the best deal from a contract I will continue to harp on that."