Adrian Public Schools to run summer swim lessons; commission asks staff to model a $15,000 subsidy

Residents and city and school officials outlined a new arrangement for summer swim lessons after the city closed Bone Pool, and commissioners directed staff to work out funding options with the district.

Jacob Cooper, a city resident, urged the commission to approve a $15,000 stipend to Adrian Public Schools to keep lessons barrier‑free for Adrian children, citing the public‑safety value of learning to swim. “Swimming is a baseline lifesaving self safety skill, not an optional luxury,” Cooper said during public comment.

City staff introduced Matt Talazeski, who explained the proposed model: Adrian Public Schools would register participants through the district, provide lifeguards and instructors, and operate lessons out of the indoor school facility; lesson fees are intended primarily to cover lifeguard pay, while pool operating costs remain a variable. Nate Parker, superintendent of Adrian Public Schools, and Chad O’Brien described cost‑neutral approaches and scholarship options. Talazeski and board representatives said the district would not plan to take on net operating losses and that any additional costs could be reimbursed by the city if necessary.

Commissioners noted existing scholarship funds (including funds raised by student Emma Pino and a reported $3,000 donation from an absent commissioner) and asked the group (Matt, Chad, Nate and Dan) to run numbers for one summer and return with a recommended funding level and scholarship structure. No formal appropriation or change to the budget was approved at the meeting.

Next steps: staff and the district will model registration scenarios, estimate utilities and chemical costs, and report back to the commission on whether a city stipend or budget amendment is required.