Residents press board to prioritize Monrovia High aquatic center as pool sits unused

During the public-comment period, Karen DeClu told the Monrovia Unified Board of Education she and dozens of other residents want the district to prioritize an upgraded Monrovia High aquatic facility and see full design options presented in a public meeting.

"It's literally sitting there rotting and molding while we continue to decide what to do about it," DeClu said, urging trustees to use any flexible Measure funds to make the pool a top priority and asking staff to present full design options. She said over the previous six months 47 unique individuals had spoken in favor of returning an upgraded aquatic facility to Monrovia and urged cooperation with the city council on the issue.

Trustees responded by asking staff to have an architect present pool concepts at the September 10 meeting; staff confirmed that will be arranged. The board also approved a short-term facility-use agreement with the City of Duarte that will allow Monrovia High boys water polo to practice at the Duarte Fitness Center pool from 08/13/2025 to 08/22/2025.

The resident's remarks tied into the broader facilities presentation later in the meeting, where staff outlined budgetary constraints, ADA responsibilities, and possible bond and state funding sources. DeClu thanked the board for clarifying ADA budget expectations and for listing possible funding sources alongside Measure resources on the presentation slides.

What happens next: an architect will present pool concepts at the next board meeting on Sept. 10; staff will continue to factor aquatic needs into site-level planning and budget scenarios.