Pool plan puts the damper on high school referendum

At last night's (9/10/07) school board meeting, girl's swim coach Nancy Harms, a number of girls swim team members, and Piranha club members spoke out about the pool plan being proposed alongside the high school referendum poised for November 6th.

The major issues cited were:

1. The pool exists as a separate referendum question, yet the field house and performing arts center were bundled into the high school plan.

2. Proponents felt that an 8-lane pool offered more to the school and the community than the proposed 6-lane pool.

3. Pool proponents believe that bleacher seating capacity of 100 is insufficient.

Board president David Stackhouse reminded the public that the Ad Hoc Pool Task Force was convened in the spring/summer of 2006 to draw up a plan for a pool and a curriculum. That effort involved at least 16 hours of Task Force members' time and effort. The Task Force was comprised of a number of pool managers, swim team coaches, and Bob Hollings, SP Director of Parks and Recreation (who also oversees the Aquatic Center). The final plan recommended by the Task Force represented a consensus of the group.

Board member Tim Boylen cautioned the public that ignoring the work of committees such as the Pool Task Force will not bode well for enlisting future involvement of community member volunteers for committees.

The school board voted to table any action on the referendum pending some re-evaluation of pool options. A meeting on the pool issue has been scheduled for next Monday 9/17/07. The final vote for the entire referendum must be completed at the 9/24/07 school board meeting in order to hold a Nov. 6th referendum.