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December 10, 2024
It’s common conversation among students on MBHS’ campus about the pool being open to the public during school hours. Whispers can be heard about retired community members swimming in speedos right outside the windows of English classes. There are many questions about the “why” of this decision; Principal Scott Schalde and SLCUSD Assistant Superintendent Ryan Pinkerton had the answers.
For over 30 years, MBHS students struggled without a pool on campus but continued with aquatic sports. The district rented lanes at Cuesta College pool or had students commute to Sinsheimer pool to practice for matches and tournaments. Over time, as one would expect, this became an extremely pricey process.
Morro Bay residents were also frustrated living in a poolless community and a group even raised $250,000 to offer to the district in hopes of funding the construction of one. The district declined this offer but accepted the community's support of Measure D. The reason the district would not accept money from any outside group is because they wanted student use to be the main priority, not the public. Principal Schalde said, “We get first dibs and we tell them when they can come.”
Morro Bay community members swimming laps in the MBHS pool (Photo Credit: SLO Tribune)
The overall cost of building MBHS’ pool was $6.5 million, entirely paid for by Measure D. The district pays approximately $150,000 annually to cover maintenance and custodial staff. The city also pays facility fees for their use of the pool which goes into SLCUSD’s general fund.
During construction of MBHS’ pool, the district was in constant communication with city officials, City Parks and Rec., as well as community organizations. Through these conversations, the district made sure it was clear that the students’ needs would come before the community’s in regards to the pool. With the promise of the pool being open to the public during certain hours, these community members were more willing to raise their taxes to fund Measure D.
Pinkerton said, “From youth athletics to adult choirs, school facilities are in many ways public parks on the weekends. We open the gates after school and on weekends. Our tennis courts, fields and playgrounds are used by all ages. The pool is much the same.”
During the school day, students are not using the pool. Realistically, the public swimming during this time is not an impact to them. Community members and students are not to interact during public swim time because, “they’re technically divided by a chain link fence,” according to Schalde. The only genuine complaints Schalde received directly from students are those about parking.
The school does reserve parking for community members to use when visiting the pool, which is even part of the reason it was built in the location it is. Students prefer to park in that lot out of convenience and proximity to classes. However, there is an abundance of available parking in the front of campus. In previous school years, students only had the option to park in one lot and, still, found parking.
Schalde said, “We tend to hold hands pretty good together,” describing the relationship between MBHS and the community, especially since the addition of the pool.
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