Board reviews two aquatic‑center designs; district aims to submit to state architect next year

Designers presented two major schemes for a proposed aquatic center at the high school and asked trustees for feedback to refine design and materials. The architects described a primary layout with two adjacent pools: a 12‑lane competition pool and a smaller warmer pool for lessons and aerobics. "We have the 2 pools that are right next to each other. So we have a competition pool, which is a 12 lane pool, and we have kind of a learn to swim warmer, smaller pool that's gonna be for, you know, like, learn to swim, aerobics," the lead architect said.

The team emphasized programming that permits concurrent use—eight lanes for competition while leaving lanes for community swim—and revenue-generating elements such as a rentable wet classroom and flexible spectator seating. Stu Isaacson, the aquatic consultant, highlighted accessibility and broad programming: "...the access that exceeds ADA requirements in both pools for adaptive PE, for active aging adults and senior programming, for Special Olympics," he said, and added that larger programming options could significantly improve operating revenues and reduce the facility’s net operating deficit.

Trustees and staff discussed site layout (including rerouting a service drive and adding parking), materials and construction cost trade-offs. Staff said they plan to submit the design to the California Department of State Architect, which can take up to a year for approval, and aim to start construction in September of next year, recognizing that the high-school swim team would lose one season during construction.