York Suburban board debates new high school pool as repairs continue; approves $300,000 set‑aside

York Suburban School District board members heard competing views Wednesday on whether to renovate the existing high‑school natatorium or construct a new pool, and they approved an assigned fund of $300,000 to cover pool repairs and short‑term needs while planning continues.

The discussion centered on presentations by district consultants and public comment from parents, athletes and engineers who described recurring structural and operational problems at the existing pool. “We stop playing the game of band‑aiding,” said Josh Carney, a licensed structural engineer and parent, urging the board to pursue a long‑term replacement rather than repeated short repairs.

Why it matters: the district’s architects and program managers showed two high‑level options for the high‑school renovation. According to the administration’s consultants, a comprehensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) renovation across the building is estimated at about $30.2 million (baseline), and a pool renovation had been previously estimated at roughly $4.0 million. The project team reported that a fully new pool option consistently adds about $8.0 million over a renovation option once the design solutions, demolition and reconfiguration needs are considered.

Crabtree (project consultant) representative “Mister Wentz” presented two site options: one that renovates the existing pool in place and retains more of the current science wing, and a second that demolishes the science wing to fit a new natatorium and supporting spaces. He told the board, “The delta is still $8,000,000,” when comparing the new‑pool option with renovating the existing pool, and described a roughly two‑to‑three‑year design and permitting schedule followed by an approximately 30‑month construction window if the board directs the project to proceed.

Board members and the public pressed several practical questions: how long a renovated pool would reliably last, whether spectator and ADA access could be fixed in a renovation, where a new pool would fit on the site, and how the projects interact with the district’s intermediate‑school work and overall budget. Wentz said a renovated in‑place natatorium could meet ADA requirements but likely would remain a four‑lane pool with constrained spectator access; a new pool could provide a larger competitive pool and better mechanical and spectator design.

Superintendent Dr. Krausser and district administrators said the decision before the board at the next meeting would be a direction to pursue design for either a renovated pool or a new pool so consultants can proceed with civil engineering and sketch‑plan work required by the township.

Public comment was strongly in favor of a new pool. Several student swimmers and parents said the existing facility has repeatedly failed and impedes equitable treatment of the swim team. “If we don’t do a new pool now, it’s never gonna happen,” said a speaker during the consultant discussion. Parents pressed the board to move quickly and to consider fundraising and outside partnerships while also asking for greater transparency on the project and budget impacts.

Operational/short‑term steps approved Wednesday: the board voted to place $300,000 into an assigned fund for pool repairs and maintenance to address immediate needs while the long‑range decision is pending. The motion passed with one dissenting vote (Nicole Hessen), and otherwise carried. Administration and athletics staff said the district will continue to use York College and the Graham Aquatic Center for practices and competitions as needed; district staff described initial, informal agreements with York College leadership to continue helping the team while the district’s facility plans are resolved.

What happens next: the administration requested board direction at the Feb. 10 meeting so civil engineers can be contracted and sketch‑plan review with the township can proceed. Staff emphasized the schedule and budget are contingent on a clear direction from the board and on whether zoning relief will be required during the township review process.

Quotes from the meeting

“I’ve been looking at this pool for almost 20 years… buildings are not magical creatures,” said Josh Carney, licensed structural engineer and parent.

“The delta is still $8,000,000,” said Mister Wentz, the consultant presenting high‑school plan options.

“If we’re gonna do it, we might as well do it right,” said Dr. Steve Sullivan, board member.

Ending: The board left the long‑range pool choice unresolved but approved short‑term repair funding. Administrators will return with a recommended action at the Feb. 10 meeting to authorize continued design work and civil engineering on the option the board selects.