Worthington board approves management agreement with Swim Inc. for new district natatorium

The Worthington Board of Education on Aug. 4 approved a resolution to terminate the district’s existing lease with Swim Inc. and enter a management agreement for the new district-owned natatorium. Assistant Treasurer Brian Cotro told the board the district previously leased both indoor and outdoor pool facilities but will now own the indoor natatorium while the city will own the outdoor pool. Rather than staff operations internally, the district will contract Swim Inc. to manage day-to-day operations, Cotro said. Key terms discussed at the meeting and summarized by Cotro include: a contract term renewable in five-year increments, annual approval of the operating budget and fee each June, 90-day termination rights for either party, Swim Inc.’s responsibility for daily staffing (including lifeguards), routine supplies, chemicals and custodial costs, and the district’s responsibility for capital items and long-term maintenance. Cotro said students will have scheduling priority and that all Swim Inc. employees will be required to pass district-standard background checks. The board approved the resolution in a roll-call vote. Trustees thanked district staff and outside partners for negotiating the agreement; board members said final fee numbers for the first year were still being worked out and expected to be finalized soon. The management arrangement replaces the district’s prior lease structure for the pools and, according to the treasurer’s office, is intended to create operational efficiencies given the city’s separate agreement with the same operator for the outdoor pool.