The Wayland Board of Education is set to make a decision on what kind of new swimming pool will be installed on the south end of the high school building at its Monday, Aug. 26, work session.

Representatives from Tower Pinkster and Triangle Construction were on hand Monday evening to explain the traditional concrete and tile foundation and the newfangled Myrtha style. The latter system involved stainless steel and vinyl, and though it is more expensive, Trustee Jeff Koons said it deserved examination because he believes it involves less maintenance and offers greater longevity.

The architects and construction firm asserted they have no problem with installing either one.

Board Treasurer Pete Zondervan said he’s a bit wary about the supply chain from Myrtha because its home base is in Europe, specifically Italy. Koons replied that access to raw materials should be little, if any problem.

But Myrtha’s cost up front would be $40,000 more than that of the traditional tile and concrete system. Furthermore, there is no other such system in Michigan, and Trustee Janelle Hott said she’s a little nervous about being the first client.

Trustee Becky Hohnke said, “By looking at both of these, we’re doing what’s best for our community.”

But all board members agreed they need more information about maintenance and each system’s warranties.

So, with the absence of Norm Taylor and Dan Cassini, they decided to hold off on making a decision until the Aug. 26 work session.

Wayland Union School District voters in May 2023 approved a $49.7 million bond project, with the biggest piece a brand new pool to replace the aging (49 years) structure.

The architects and construction firm representatives insisted the bond project work has been progressing apace over the summer, despite a $2.5 million overage from the get-go last February. That deficit has been whittled down to $1.5 million already.

The new roofs at the high school and middle school are in place, the middle school has a new cafeteria, Pine Street Elementary has new bathroom facilities and the deal for purchasing the old University of Michigan Health building across the street has been closed. The building will be used for new administrative offices, replacing the current site further to the east on Superior, which will open up space for local senior citizens’ activities.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Supt. Tim Reeves has indicated since that the increase in cost in final bids for a Myrtha style pool actually is estimated at between $400, 000 and $800,000.

In other business at Monday night’s meeting, the board:

• Agreed to have a new drama class added to the curriculum at the middle school for the coming academic year.
• Was told by Director of Finance and Operations Leslie Wagner that Wayland had $41,645,178 in revenue in the last fiscal year, $31.6 million of that in state aid. Expenses are pegged at $40,578.18, which means the fund balance will get a boost. There is only one month left before the final 2023-24 state aid payment will arrive.
• Received a bid of $53,170 for replacement and repairs for security doors at the high school.
• Learned that both the middle school and high school are on the target list put together by Moms for Liberty dealing with reading materials and a new and broader policy taking on sexual harassment and discrimination through Title IX.
• Discussed the implementation of a shuttle bus on Wildcat Drive to help students with rides to the middle school and relieve traffic pressure.