PWC: Does the high school need a pool added to it? (Fairfax: HOA, to buy)

[justtitans]

The most polarizing topic in Prince William County now seems to be if a pool should be added to the county's 12th high school, which will soon be built. The question I have for you all is, do you think this pool should be added? Or do believe what many contraries are stating by asking that county focus on other issues like class sizes. Thoughts?


Here is some background on this:

Financial Services - Pool (aquatics center) for PWCS?

School pool could cost Prince William $1.5 million a year - INSIDENOVA.COM: Education

[Grsz11]

Most larger schools where I am from had pools, and had much less money than in this area. I have no problem with it, especially since this would be the only one in the county schools. It is located to serve a large area. Where do all the swim teams go now?

[SteelCityRising]

Why would a pool cost $1,500,000 annually to operate in a school in NoVA and a fraction of that to operate annually elsewhere?

[Grsz11]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

Why would a pool cost $1,500,000 annually to operate in a school in NoVA and a fraction of that to operate annually elsewhere?

Media fanning the flames. They didn't specify in that article that half of that is debt service that has a limited term. The debt amount is from the county, the operating costs is an estimate by a board member who opposes it. In other words he just made it up.

[Bigfoot424]

Regardless. When teachers no longer have to buy needed supplies for their classrooms I'll then support a pool. Until then, nope.

[Middlin]

Until teachers get regular raises, class sizes are smaller and overcrowding in schools end.... frankly, I look at schools to educate my child, not provide a sport to participate in. I pay large HOA dues that support pools and correspondingly the swim teams. If swim teams are that important, move into a HOA that has one.

[vermonter16]

I have never understood why we as taxpayers who have children get a tax break because of the children. If taxpayers didn't get a tax break on them - I think there would be a lot more money for the schools. It has never made any sense to me.

[NovaOne]

Sports and physical activities are an important part of children's growth, promoting a strong body as well as a strong mind. The well funded sports programs of the US education system is one reason why the quality of an US education is very high, in spite of what the science and math test scores may show compared to the rest of the world. By and large US students are much better rounded, having been exposed to a variety of extracurricular activities that significantly broaden their horizons as they move on to college or directly into the work force after HS graduation.

That said, I vote NO on this pool because this expense has such a singular use that it is wasteful. There are other priorities for this money to be spent on that would impact many more students. A sports field can be used for a variety of purposes, from assemblies, to games, to PE classes. Similarly a basketball court is always serving multiple other duties depending on need.

But a pool is a pool is a pool. You don't do anything other than swim in it. Fairfax county offers numerous recreation centers with large swimming pools that residents can make use of, consolidating the need to these well maintained locations. PWC can do the same thing. There is no need to spend so much money at one school on a sport that so few take part in.

[NovaOne]

Originally Posted by vermonter16

I have never understood why we as taxpayers who have children get a tax break because of the children. If taxpayers didn't get a tax break on them - I think there would be a lot more money for the schools. It has never made any sense to me.

The government, as run by the elected representatives voted into office by the people, has decided that having children is a social behavior that is to be encouraged. Therefore the tax policy has been so structured to subsidize this behavior.

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by NovaOne

Sports and physical activities are an important part of children's growth, promoting a strong body as well as a strong mind. The well funded sports programs of the US education system is one reason why the quality of an US education is very high, in spite of what the science and math test scores may show compared to the rest of the world. By and large US students are much better rounded, having been exposed to a variety of extracurricular activities that significantly broaden their horizons as they move on to college or directly into the work force after HS graduation.

That said, I vote NO on this pool because this expense has such a singular use that it is wasteful. There are other priorities for this money to be spent on that would impact many more students. A sports field can be used for a variety of purposes, from assemblies, to games, to PE classes. Similarly a basketball court is always serving multiple other duties depending on need.

But a pool is a pool is a pool. You don't do anything other than swim in it. Fairfax county offers numerous recreation centers with large swimming pools that residents can make use of, consolidating the need to these well maintained locations. PWC can do the same thing. There is no need to spend so much money at one school on a sport that so few take part in.

Just to clarify I believe the intent is for the pool to serve the community as well. So it won't just be affiliated with the school only.