Superintendent Jeff Maddox and Treasurer TJ Cusick updated the Worthington Schools Board of Education on site and operational plans for the new Worthington Natatorium, a facility funded by the district's 2022 bond issue and budgeted at about $15,200,000.

Maddox described the facility's major features: a 10-lane, 25-yard competition pool; a multi-depth pool for flexible activities; nine deep-water competition lanes with starting blocks; a full-depth water-polo competition area (80 by 75 feet); two 1-meter diving boards; new locker rooms; a training room; offices; mechanical systems designed for humidity control; spectator seating and additional tip-and-roll pool deck seating. He said some seating summaries in the presentation list 375 spectator seats, with permanent mezzanine seating and ADA access described in the project documents. Maddox said demolition of the old natatorium is scheduled to begin in September and a new parking lot will be constructed north of the new building; the district hopes to complete the project by December and to hold a community open house after the new year.

Treasurer TJ Cusick reported that the district has executed a management agreement with Swim Inc., effective Sept. 1, to manage the facility; the board previously reviewed a draft at an earlier meeting. Cusick also said Worthington Water Polo teams from Thomas Worthington and Worthington Kilbourne are expected to transition into the facility when operations begin.

Maddox briefly noted the city of Worthington's planned targeted deer removal program and that the city has asked to use the flats west of Thomas Worthington High School overnight to support that program; the administration's recommendation at the meeting was to approve the city's request.

Discussion vs. decision: the board received the report and Cusick reported the executed management agreement; no additional contract vote was taken at the meeting. Direction: district staff will proceed with demolition, parking construction, operator move-in and a community open house when construction is complete.

Why it matters: the natatorium is a major capital project from the 2022 bond that will add competitive lanes, expanded locker rooms and spectator amenities and change facility access for district athletic programs.