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Laguna Beach school board approves 45‑meter pool plan; city will not financially participate
Summary
After extensive public comment from parents, athletes and boosters, the board voted to approve the district’s 45‑meter pool modernization conceptual plan (estimated at about $19 million). Board members said the city has declined financial participation and will continue seeking a separate community pool location.
The Laguna Beach Unified School District board voted to approve the high‑school pool modernization conceptual plan, moving forward with a 45‑meter design intended to allow concurrent district and community use.
The public comment period featured numerous speakers — parents, boosters, current and former players, coaches and students — who urged the board to approve a facility that would allow home games, reduce late‑night travel for club practices, and provide improved training and PE access. "This design's most impactful eventual result is concurrent usage," said community speaker Mr. Harvey, adding that the plan balances student‑athlete needs with neighborhood impacts.
Board members discussed efforts to negotiate a cost‑sharing arrangement with the City of Laguna Beach. President Vickers reported the city reopened talks in August but ultimately "decided they're not gonna financially participate in the pool" and is instead continuing work to investigate an alternate community pool location. The district’s business officer, Jeff Dixon, told the board the current planning estimate is in the neighborhood of $19,000,000 and explained the district is planning to fund the project using capital fund balances and planned transfers of one‑time carryover funds.
Board members emphasized fiscal stewardship and said the adopted budget and facilities master plan include the facilities funding stream. One board member clarified that the board has set aside one‑time dollars and is not using ongoing general‑fund revenue to support the capital project.
After discussion about interim arrangements for student athletes during construction, staff reported handshake agreements with nearby pools to provide temporary water access and said the target construction timeline is approximately 11 months, potentially affecting one season for programs during construction.
The motion passed (roll call; recorded as carries 5‑0). The board directed staff to continue coordination with coaches and community partners to manage interim schedules and community access while advancing design and permitting work.
