Schools float idea of pool in bond issue

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

Mid-Del School leaders continue to craft and shape an upcoming bond proposal.

A key part of the process has been input from parents, school staff and community members. After hosting several public meetings last year, the district created a steering committee that has dived into various projects considered by the district.

Last week, the group dove into one of the larger requests – an indoor swimming pool.

For several years, parents, coaches and students have asked the district to consider adding a swimming pool that could be used for practices and competitions. The district has rented the Rose State College pool for several years, but the facility has become increasingly unreliable. The pool has been closed since the fall due to maintenance issues.

With Rose State’s pool out of commission, Mid-Del swimmers had to travel to different pools across the metro for practices. They have often had to practice early in the morning before school and in the evenings.

Superintendent Rick Cobb said the district has been looking into the possibility of adding a swimming facility. He said he’s been meeting with the City of Midwest City and the YMCA about a possible partnership.

“We’ve been having conversations with the City of Midwest City and the YMCA for a while,” Cobb said. “Last month, Mayor [Matt] Dukes, Mr. [Kelly] Kay [CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City YMCA], and I met in my office to further that discussion. I expect this will be an ongoing process. “

On March 28, Kay gave a presentation during the bond steering committee meeting at the Mid-Del Technology Center. He said several colleges have closed their pools in recent years and the YMCA is working to fill that need.

Kay discussed the Mitch Park YMCA which was built through a partnership with the City of Edmond, Edmond Public Schools and the YMCA. It is the largest competition pool in the Oklahoma City metro and hosts numerous high school events. He also spoke about a current project to create a new aquatic center in Stillwater.

Cobb said the district is considering adding a swimming pool to the upcoming bond proposal but said nothing is certain.

“Right now, every potential bond project is hypothetical,” he said. “I’d like to see this happen for the impact it would have on the entire community — not just the school district.”

The bond steering committee also discussed possible classroom additions with the bond issue.

The group will meet one final time on April 13. After that, the school board will hold a workshop to review the potential projects. They will then vote on a bond resolution at a future special meeting.

Cobb expects the bond proposal will be about $150-170 million. The proposal will address various projects throughout the district including athletics, building maintenance, classroom renovation and building replacement, fine arts, safety and security and technology.

The district plans to have the bond proposal on the ballot in October.

The next step will be a work session for the school board followed by a special meeting to vote on a bond resolution.

The district plans to have the bond proposal on the ballot in October.

After the April 13 Bond Steering Committee meeting, our next step will be a whole board work session. We are trying to find a date to schedule a special board meeting. After next week’s election, we will be able to lock that date into place. It will likely be sometime in May.