Board discusses pool funding, explores grant options; approves Duarte pool rental for students

Board members discussed the district’s aquatic facilities and a potential external grant while approving a short-term pool rental to maintain student access for swim instruction.

Board member Trevante told the meeting she had received information from Rep. Judy Chu’s office about a potential grant for the aquatic center and said the district’s recently hired project manager has been asked to examine grant eligibility and partnerships. Trevante said district staff and the city manager, Dylan Feek, have communicated about holding a joint meeting to explore how the city and district might partner on an athletic facility.

During public comment multiple speakers focused on the pool and adjacent track. A public commenter named Kevin Sales noted the track’s condition in addition to the pool. A speaker identified as Miss Rucker from Monrovia High School urged consistency in school administration and referenced impacts on students. The recap hosts also highlighted community concern about who will cover long-term operating costs.

As a near-term action, the board approved a rental agreement to use the Duarte pool for the Monrovia aquatics program for the spring semester; the recap estimated the rental at about $10,000 for the term. The district said this arrangement will provide students with a location for swim instruction while longer-term options and grant opportunities are explored.

No final decision on a district-owned aquatic center was made at the meeting. The board said staff will continue to investigate grant opportunities and partnerships; a potential joint city-district meeting was discussed but no formal date or formal interagency agreement was adopted.