The Wayland Union Schools Bond Committee, while insisting there’s much more than just a swimming pool at stake in the May 2 special election, maintains passage will ensure safe entry and exit at a new pool for all ages.

Committee members also are touting swimming lesson, physical education classes and recreational opportunities for the community and students.

The addition of a pool is promised to be a way for industrial arts classes to move into the space vacated, besides music classooms.

A spokesperson said, “We must help ensure that our all of our littlest Wildcats can learn water safety! 

“Even though many adults in our community enjoyed swim lessons in the high school pool as part of an elementary curriculum or as part of the community activity offerings when they were young, swim lessons can no longer be able to be offered due to the lack of consistency with the pool functionality.”

The spokesperson added that the nearest venue for swim lessons is a 30-minute drive.

“With the proposed renovated community pool, Wayland will be able to offer youth swim lessons again as part of the WUS physical education curriculum and as a community education option—right here close to home!”

The current pool is approaching 49 years old, and officials insist it has outlived its usefulness because of constant need of repairs and it no longer meet standards for high school and middle school competition.

Proponents also point out that if the $49.7 million bond is passed in the May 2 special election, the millage levy will continue to be 8.4 mills every year, no increase, but a lengthening of the bond obligation.