Board keeps Claire R. McKenna Aquatic Center open to public pending $150,000 foundation pledge

The Unified School District of Antigo board voted to keep the Claire R. McKenna Aquatic Center open to the public, contingent on the district receiving a $150,000 check from the community foundation by Sept. 21, 2026.

Chair (transcript label 4) read the motion aloud and explained the timeline requirement: "Keep the Claire r McKenna Aquatic Center open to the public, giving the foundation enough time to get the money, $150,000, to the district office by 09/21/2026." The board then called the question and opened the electronic vote. Several members asked for confirmation that attachments documenting the foundation pledge had been provided and referenced an email dated Aug. 31 confirming funds had been raised.

Board discussion before the vote focused on staffing, contracts and the distinction between community and educational use. Staff noted the YMCA had provided lifeguards under the previous arrangement and that operations require certified pool operators and lifeguards under WIAA rules. One member warned that without lifeguards or a staffing plan, the pool could not safely operate even if funds were delivered.

The motion was put to roll-call-style voting after the chair confirmed members had understood the motion and read the motion a second time; members registered their votes and were given the opportunity to change them before the vote was closed.

Looking ahead, the board agreed to move to a subsequent agenda item about restoring district access for students and staff and to consider the attachments that detail receipts and historical funding coding. The vote on this motion (public access contingent on the $150,000 delivery) was part of a sequence of votes addressing immediate operations and longer-term financial options.