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District partners with Maine Community Swimming to offer swim lessons to all second graders
Summary
Portland Public Schools and Maine Community Swimming outlined a plan to provide swim lessons to roughly 500 second graders, with initial nonprofit funding and a five-year cost-transition plan for the district; estimated per‑student cost is about $35 and first‑year program materials and instruction were estimated at $17,500.
Portland Public Schools unveiled a plan to give every second grader access to swim lessons through a partnership with Maine Community Swimming, a local nonprofit.
Brooke Teller, founder and executive director of Maine Community Swimming, told the board the program aims to reach about 500 second graders in mainland schools and estimates the instructional cost at roughly $35 per student for six to seven lessons. The nonprofit currently covers lesson fees and equipment — including swim caps, culturally sensitive swimwear, and goggles — while the district covers transportation. Teller said a multi‑year transition would move program costs gradually into the district budget, with Maine Community Swimming requesting a total of about $17,500 for the immediate phase.
Dr. Sarah Warren, the district’s chief of strategy and operations who presented in Superintendent Scallan’s absence, said the district has been collaborating with the nonprofit and city recreation partners to place students where pool capacity exists. Teller described using the Boys & Girls Club pool and Westbrook Community Center to supplement Portland Parks pools while the Riverton pool remains closed for renovation; she said staff and lifeguard shortages are a constraint even when facilities are available.
Board members asked about transportation and ongoing funding. Teller said transportation costs historically were borne by individual schools and that Maine Community Swimming has relied on grants, fundraisers and fiscal-sponsorship support while it moved to standalone 501(c)(3) status. Dr. Warren said the superintendent’s office appreciates the partnership and is committed to exploring district funding to support a long-term transition.
The board did not take a final funding vote at the meeting; staff indicated they would continue planning with partners and present budget implications in forthcoming budget discussions.
