South Kent News

The Grand Rapids Board of Education recently addressed an issue that has been on the minds of students and families: the renovation of a pool on campus. 

"Our athletic facilities, including the pool of Ottawa Hills, really is a significant part in the component of our facilities master plan,"  Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby said at the Jan. 9 meeting. "We know that our scholars deserve the very best, and we want to make sure that we do that. But also we want to make sure that we communicate that to our community so that you understand that there is a timeline."

Roby went on to explain the logistics of making a renovated pool a reality. 

"We have to do a process of bidding out what the pool is. And then this board will have to decide the timeline and work with that general contractor around the pool," the superintendent said.

The Grand Rapids school board welcomes student comments during the public comment section of the meeting, according to the district. Students can speak about anything they like, even if it is off the agenda and out of order. The board makes room for their comments near the beginning of the meeting so they can get some sleep and finish their homework in the evening.

At the Jan. 9 meeting, multiple students brought up the issue of a pool, and this has been a concern for many families this year.

This school year, the Ottawa Hills swimming pool has not been operational at all, according to Roby. During the last school year, school officials learned of a leak issue and brought in professionals who found the problem in the pipes underneath the pool floor. Repairing the pool could cost an estimated half-million dollars.  

 According to the superintendent, school officials are working on addressing the issue and will continue to communicate the status to residents. Meanwhile, swimmers continue to use pools at the city and Union High School. 

The swimmer athletes also spoke during the public comment period on the issue. Abby, a 10th-grade swimmer on the women's team, told the board she has gained confidence, a strong community and a solid work ethic from the sport. She asked that all athletes be informed of the timeline for resolving the pool problems as soon as possible.

Another swim team member, Andrew,  said how many hours of practice time have been lost this year and that the city pool couldn't provide the necessary equipment.