Sinking-fund update: district moves ahead with pool demolition plan as engineering finds structural concerns

District facilities staff gave a detailed history of inspections and structural testing that led the board to approve demolition of the district pool and to form an exploratory committee to plan future options.

Presenters recounted a sequence beginning with 2022 roof inspections (Tremco) and IMEG visual reviews, followed by a July 2023 structural assessment that recommended closure pending repairs. Selective demolition and ultrasonic structural testing occurred through mid- to late-2025; Magnus Engineering delivered reports and presented three options: full demolition, partial exterior demolition and retaining the basin, or building a new facility at a different site.

Mister Madison said the district's earlier repair estimate (roof/structure and HVAC) had been projected at about $2.5 million. After additional design and inclusion of architectural/engineering fees and contingencies, staff now anticipate demolition costs close to $2.3 million. "We are still anticipating being very close to that $2,300,000," he told trustees.

Staff described next steps: architectural and engineering teams are preparing conceptual designs and permit documents, demolition pricing will be sought via bids in the next months, and the board's construction-management partner will assist. Trustees asked staff to produce an itemized accounting of prior district spending on the pool and to identify funding sources (sinking fund, capital fund, other) used or available for demolition and subsequent site decisions.

The updates also covered related capital projects (fire alarm replacements at middle and high schools, HVAC replacements and roof projects) and grant opportunities, including a pending United States Tennis Association grant that could offset about $200,000 of a tennis-court renovation.

Next steps: design and permitting continue; demolition bids and firm pricing are expected to return to the board for action, and the superintendent's exploratory committee will report on future program/site options.