Jim Thorpe chooses green turf

Jim Thorpe school board members have decided — the district’s new artificial turf field will be green in color.

They have also approved a 12-year sponsorship agreement with Lehigh Valley Health Network, which board members say is worth more than $1 million total when in-kind services are included.

At a special meeting Monday night, school board members answered the question which has inspired a friendly competition in the district in the last few weeks: Red turf, or green.

“It’s been crazy — I think every class discussion has started with “What color do you guys want?” said William Schwartz, a senior at Jim Thorpe Area High School.

In an online survey which ended Monday, a majority of Jim Thorpe high school students and staff preferred the green field, but community members said they preferred red.

In the end the vote was 7-1 for green. TJ Garritano voted for red and Dennis McGinley was absent.

Check back for complete coverage of the school board meeting.