Committee discusses potential $5 million grant for pool projects; staff warns of $40,000 annual maintenance cost

A committee member flagged a potential external grant opportunity (identified in the discussion as coming from Steve Santacero) that could supply up to $5 million for infrastructure projects. The member said the district should update 8-year-old cost estimates for renovating two pools (Klinger and the 'Law College' facility) and compare renovation versus conversion-to-classrooms scenarios before the next grant round.

Staff cautioned that pool ownership and ongoing maintenance matter: the presenter said the high school pool currently costs almost "$40,000 a year" to maintain for operations, chemicals, testing and outside contractor services. Committee members agreed the district should prepare updated financials — including capital and recurring maintenance costs — so the district can decide quickly if the grant opportunity is offered again. One member said the district missed an August deadline and therefore could not apply in the prior round.

The committee did not make a funding decision; members asked staff to prepare updated cost estimates and to evaluate whether pools would be an appropriate use of grant funds.