Jim Thorpe Area School District’s board of directors unanimously approved a five-year transportation contract last week with Duncannon-based Rohrer Bus.

“Rohrer is a statewide bus contractor,” Superintendent Robert Presley said. “This was a tough decision for the board. We had several meetings with the current contractor, Krise. Rohrer said they absolutely want to retain the bus and van drivers who are currently employees through Jim Thorpe. That was one of the sticking points and they want to be community-based, easing any of those concerns.”

The contract, which runs from July 1 through June 30, 2029, and was obtained through a Right To Know request, calls for Rohrer to receive “the sum of money pursuant to the state reimbursement formula for actual days of transportation provided for each school year. The transportation being performed shall be subject to a minimum $275 per day for vans or $385 per day for buses.”

The daily minimums can increase each year in line with any changes in the Pennsylvania Department of Education Pupil Transportation Cost Index.

Rohrer’s cost of fuel will be capped at $2.75 per gallon for diesel fuel and $2.61 per gallon for gasoline in the 2024-25 school year.

“During each subsequent school year of this agreement or any extension, the parties agree that the amount of the fuel costs that the (Rohrer) will be solely responsible for will be increased by five cents per gallon for all fuel,” the contract states.

Athletic, field trips and other extracurricular trips will be priced at $3.18 per mile to and from the pickup point. The minimum mileage charge will be $116.71 per bus. There is also a $23.35 hourly layover rate.

Rohrer officials said they held meetings to introduce their company to all current bus and van drivers as well as anyone else who may be interested for the upcoming school year.

Meetings were to consist of an introduction to the company as well as information on its history, current operations and leadership team; a long term approach to transportation success within the district; a strategy for transitioning services; and employment options for both current and potential drivers and staff.“We are honored to have been selected as a transportation provider for Jim Thorpe and we will approach our contractual relationship as a strong partnership,” David Schrantz, Rohrer vice president said. “We are excited for this opportunity and look forward to long-term success as a valued member of the Jim Thorpe community.”