Seventh‑grade team pitches pool revitalization plan, seeks board nod to pursue $12,000/year grant

A team of seventh‑grade students working with the Empowerment Collaborative presented a proposal to revitalize the district pool, saying the project would increase community use, provide inclusive programming, and include revenue‑generating events to offset operating costs.

The students outlined components of the plan and rough cost items: they cited an "up to $12,000 grant coming per year over 5 years" as a funding avenue, listed potential equipment and supply purchases (examples mentioned: a quadrant for about $4,000, AquaJobs for $2,500, target/volleyball accessories at about $1,000, miscellaneous accessories and storage/patch kits around $500, chairs $750, play pool $4,000), and proposed launch events, membership drives and rentals to support the pool.

Board and staff discussion focused on procedural steps (who applies and how to access the grant), permissions needed for creating social media accounts and minor maintenance purchases, and the need for a motion to formalize approval. Staff said the students should apply for the grant and offered to place a motion on next week's agenda so the students would not have to return; staff also noted the district has to follow formalities to access the funds.

Why it matters: the project aims to restore community recreation assets, create student engagement and generate revenue for the schools; the grant timeline and vendor discount deadlines (a June 19 discount date for some playground/ pool equipment was mentioned by proponents) create a time pressure to clarify board direction.

Next steps: staff will assist students in applying for funds and the board plans to place a formal motion on next week's agenda; final procurement and maintenance approvals remain to be completed.

Limits: numbers and items listed were provided by students and proponents; procurement, prevailing‑wage, and site‑prep costs were raised as items that require finalized quotes and staff oversight.