LAKEPORT— There was standing room only at the Lakeport Unified School District (LUSD) regularly scheduled board meeting. Concerned parents, students and community members spilled out into the foyer, waiting to address the agenda item concerning what projects should be completed with remaining bond funds. Jacque Eischens, Chief Business Officer, reported there was only $1,329,829 dollars remaining in bond funds and cautioned that ongoing costs for all remaining projects should also be taken into consideration as these expenditures would negatively impact the general fund.
Most of the speakers fell into one of two camps: Those who wanted a new pool and those who wanted a new fitness center. Wayne Yahnke, park and recreation Commissioner, obtained a free pool estimate from Waterworks Industries, out of Windsor. If the pool was built at the site of the old tennis courts, it would cost approximately $1.9 million dollars. However, the estimate did not include the costs for locker rooms, bathrooms and American Disabilities Act accessibility. These items are mandated by the state and will need to be added to the cost. This is considerably less than the original estimate of $5,383,219 dollars.
Mason Elsa, past student board representative, stated that the swim team has been overlooked for many years and without a pool, the swim team would cease to exist. Tanya Vasquez, a high school student, agreed with Elsa and added that physical therapy and water aerobics are just two other uses for the pool that could positively impact the community. Agustin Merodio, swim coach, stated that a new pool would mean an increase in athletes. At the present time, there are only eight members on the swim team. Additionally, the pool should be self-sustaining if the district charged fees for swim meets.
On the other side of the argument were those that wanted, at the least, air conditioning for the gymnasium. Amy Wind, secretary at Clear Lake High School, stated that the district should do “what is best for the most students”. Wind said that a new fitness center, weight room and air conditioning would benefit the most students. What resonated from most speakers was that the temperature in the gymnasium reaches over 100 degrees and therefore is not safe for students.
Jack McGuire, a recent graduate, stated that he passed out multiple times after working out in the gym. Alicia McKnight, added that playing volleyball in the gymnasium is not a great experience and that she hopes it doesn’t take a heat stroke for something to happen. In addition, cheerleaders have no room to practice. According to a hand-out by Eischens, the total cost for the high school fitness center was estimated at over $3.6 million dollars.
Jeannie Markham, board member, began the board discussion by stating that it “breaks my heart to lose the pool”. Although she believes the community needs a pool, she also believes it is not the district’s responsibility to build one. She further stated that it should be the county’s responsibility and the Board of Supervisors should be engaged. She ended her statement by reemphasizing that the district does not have the money to build a pool and that “It’s not our job”. Jen Hanson, board member, added that, in fairness, the city helped the Channel Cats swim team for years and only left when the pool developed a leak. They were under the impression a new pool was going to be built.
Dan Buffalo, board president, stated that he was not previously aware that students were passing out and vomiting due to heat. He felt the item should be taken up for further discussion later until more information could be gathered; specifically the cost of air conditioning for the gymnasium. This cost was not itemized and Buffalo, along with the entire board, felt that student safety should come first. The motion was passed and further discussion of the item was placed on hold until more information could be obtained.
In other items, Eischens stated that in order for the budget to operate in the black, the district cut the following positions: A counselor at the high school, a computer technician, a crossing guard, an admin on special assignment and a special education para-professional. She went on to explain the importance of attendance. State funding is based on students who are physically present. If student attendance increases, state funding will increase accordingly. Eischens provided an example, stating that a two-percent increase in attendance would mean an increase of over $300,000 dollars in funding.
Jill Falconer, LUSD superintendent, stated that the county has provided a mentor to the board due to most members being new, including herself. She also mentioned that Clear Lake High School received its Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation. According to the WASC website, in order to be accredited, a school (1) must be worthy of the trust placed in them to provide high-quality learning and (2) clearly demonstrate continual self-improvement. Falconer also announced that the district is continuing its discussion to sell the Natural High property. A public hearing will be held July 31 at 5:30 pm in the Clear Lake High School library.
Prior to joining the Record-Bee as a freelancer covering education and local news items, Mary Phillips worked in education as a teacher and an administrator for 34 years
