School Board Considers $25M Pool Project Amid Community Concerns Over Design and Funding

The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board convened on December 16, 2024, to discuss significant developments regarding the construction of a new swimming pool facility and the hiring of an interim superintendent. The meeting highlighted the financial implications and community involvement in both projects.

A primary focus of the meeting was the proposed construction of a new 45-meter swimming pool, with cost estimates rising to approximately $25.5 million. Board members discussed the potential for modernization of the existing facility, which could cost around $15.3 million. However, this option would likely delay the project by at least a year and incur additional costs for necessary improvements identified in a recent health inspection audit.

Mr. Dixon, a key presenter, emphasized that the current estimates did not account for certain features, such as indoor showers, which have been a point of contention among community members. The board acknowledged the need for further exploration of options, including potential collaboration with the city to secure funding and possibly expand the facility to better serve community needs.

The discussion also touched on the community's desire for more transparency and involvement in the decision-making process. Several board members expressed concerns about the lack of comprehensive planning regarding the pool's design and its implications for community access, particularly in winter months when outdoor showers may not be practical.

In addition to the pool discussions, the board addressed the urgent need to appoint an interim superintendent following the departure of the previous superintendent. The board debated the process for hiring, with some members advocating for a more inclusive approach that would allow for community input and multiple candidate evaluations. A motion was made to direct staff to seek proposals from search firms to assist in the superintendent search, ensuring that community engagement would be a key component of the process.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the pool project and the superintendent search, highlighting the board's intention to foster collaboration with the city and the community to achieve the best outcomes for students and taxpayers alike.