City offers up to $3 million toward Sunnyvale Middle School pool modernization, staff seeks 50/50 cost split

District staff brought forward draft language for an amended open-space agreement with the City that would clarify cost-sharing and commit the City to contribute up to $3,000,000 toward modernization of the Sunnyvale Middle School pool and locker-room facilities.

“We are looking to revise the agreement to have a 50–50 cost split for both utility use as well as the maintenance costs for the upkeep of the pool and the locker rooms,” staff said while explaining the amendment is intended to mirror terms at a nearby neighborhood center. Staff described the amendment as review and discussion only; the agreement would return for future board action.

Trustees praised the modernization as a safety and community asset but pressed staff on equitable access to water-safety instruction. One trustee noted only one of eight elementary schools currently offers a third-grade water-safety course and encouraged staff to pursue community partners — such as rotary clubs or city programs — to expand swim instruction across the district.

No public comments were submitted specific to the pool item and staff answered questions about the prior 1991 open-space agreement and past amendments. The board did not vote on the agreement at the meeting; staff will return with final contract terms and recommended next steps.