Rutherford Board of Education Meeting - May 14, 2018
The Superintendent asked Mr. Frazier, the High School Athletic Director, to comment on how the proposed Facilities plan would impact health and physical education in the district. Mr. Frazier did not shy away from noting that the proposed loss of the pool has become a bone of contention and acknowledged that the High School swim team would face new challenges if our pool is closed. He stated that he did not anticipate our swim program folding and noted that he has held preliminary talks with other teams and facilities and has received a positive response from his colleagues in Lyndhurst. He did not indicate if our team would remain independent or if it would be required to merge with another team or discuss any potential impact this might have on team size or a swimmer's ability to make the team. He did not indicate the costs to the district of pursuing this option.
Several members of the public spoke, commenting on the benefits of having a local pool in our town. Topics raised included:
In responding to a question about feedback received, the Superintendent Mr. Hurley stated that 35 to 40 emails have been received since last September and that most are either in full support of the referendum plans as proposed or with the caveat that support is conditional on saving the pool. He did not indicate which of those options is generating the most feedback. The minimal feedback indicates that most members of the community are not yet fully aware of the proposed plans.
The Board will discuss the plans and announce their intentions regarding the proposed options at the June 4 meeting.They will vote at the June 25 meeting to decide which options will be put forward for the October 2nd referendum.
Thank you,
Rutherford Citizens to Save Our Pool