Sean C. Morgan
Supporters of keeping the swimming pool at Sweet Home High School open are planning to ask the District 55 School Board not to completely cut the pool in the 2011-12 budget.
According to a list of possible reductions presented Monday night by Supt. Larry Horton, the district would save $120,000 by shutting down the pool completely.
Subtracting all salaries, the pool could remain open for $58,000, said Junia Calhoon, aquatics director for District 55. Previous estimates on savings, not counting staff costs, were at $100,000.
Pool supporters plan to ask the board to cover those costs until the community can vote on the formation of an aquatics district in May 2012, Calhoon said.
Until that time, she will volunteer her time so the pool does not have to close, she said.
Supporters are concerned that the programs may dwindle in the interim as people travel elsewhere or stop using pools.
Fees for using the pool would cover the cost of staffing lifeguards, Calhoon said.
“We’ve got to do something,” Calhoon said. “I believe that our community will support it.”
The aquatics district committee is nearly ready to start circulating a petition, Calhoon said. The district will need 50 signatures on the petition.
The boundary surveys are complete, Calhoon said, and supporters are circulating bracelets in the community to raise awareness.
The Sweet Home Swim Club has already started raising funds to help with the campaign and operate the pool, and it is applying for a Safeway grant.
An account is open to accept tax-deductible donations at Key Bank under the name “Aquatic District.”
Funds will help with the campaign and help keep the pool open, Calhoon said.
Keeping swimming lessons going is important to keep the community safe as it uses nearby lakes and rivers during the summer, she said.