School Board Deliberates On Pool Closing

By Larissa Lytwyn

To save an estimated $8,500 in operating costs following last year’s $1.4 million cut from its education spending plans, the school board made a decision last June to move this year’s public closing date for the Newtown High School swimming pool to April 1.

In addition, fees were doubled; a single seasonal pass increased from $25 to $50 while family passes increased from $50 to $100.

Due to what board members termed a “miscommunication,” the Parks and Recreation Department believed the closing date was May 15 — and began collecting funds this year according to this schedule.

Parks and Recreation would like to continue collecting money anticipating a May 15 closing date; the board has to decide whether to rescind last year’s decision or enforce its original decree.

So far this year, said Business Director Ron Bienkowski, Parks and Recreation has collected approximately $13,745 — a considerable surplus over the $12,000 estimated to be collected.

In addition, the recent mild weather combined with lower-than-expected electricity rates lowered schools’ overall energy consumption.

During the board’s regularly scheduled March 2 meeting, Mr Bienkowski said he believed that any extra costs associated with keeping the pool open to the public until May 15 could be absorbed through reduced energy consumption costs elsewhere in the budget.

But board members Thomas Gissen and David Nanavaty expressed doubt as to whether keeping the pool open would ultimately be a wise decision.

“There is some uncertainty right now with next year’s budget,” noted Mr Gissen, alluding to the yet-to-be-approved 2004-05 education budget.

He believes the extra money could be used, if needed, to meet a minor maintenance improvement or repair, among other education-related considerations.

Mr Nanavaty agreed. “We don’t know what’s ahead,” he said, adding that the priority was the district’s children.

Vice Chair Lisa Schwartz, however, was concerned about undermining the board’s relations with Parks and Recreation.

“Originally we wanted to close the pool to the public [last year] completely,” she said. “While I understand the decision that was made last year, I think that in light of what’s been happening recently, we should keep the pool open [until May 15].”

Chair Elaine McClure said that both sides had raised valid points.

Mr Gissen moved to table the decision until the board’s next regularly scheduled meeting on March 16.

He explained that he was simply “still doubtful” about the possibility of keeping the pool open, emphasizing that his consideration was not against Parks and Recreation itself.

“I love the Parks and Recreation Department,” he said. “My children have been actively involved there. But we don’t know what’s ahead with our budget yet.”

Ms Schwartz worried that a two-week delay might hinder sales.

While pool membership dropped about half this year, a profit was made nonetheless due to the passes’ increased cost.

The point was brought up that the Board of Finance will be meeting between March 2 and March 16, giving board members a clearer picture of where the education budget stood.

After being reviewed by the Board of Finance, the education budget will move to the Legislative Council followed by the Board of Selectman. It will then be presented for a public vote.

The board ultimately unanimously decided to hold the decision until their next meeting date March 16.