Dubuque Community Schools_Aquatic Center InquiryDubuque
Community
Schools
To inspire and challenge
June 8, 2012
Mayor Roy D. Buol and City Council
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
2300 Chaney Road
Dubuque, IA 52001 -3095
Phone (563) 552 -3000
Fax (563) 552 -3026
www.dbqschools.org
Dear Mayor Buol and Council Members:
As part of the master planning process for the Dubuque Community Schools, the district has started to explore
options for the aging pool facility at Hempstead High School.
Early estimates show that it would cost approximately $2 million to repair and facelift the pool. Even with these
enhancements, significant challenges would continue to exist at the current site. The diving well, while
grandfathered in for use, slopes in a way that is not acceptable under guidelines for new facilities because of
possible safety concerns and the depth of the lanes also poses a safety threat. From a sustainability perspective, the
aging of the pool has caused a slow leak that is near impossible to address in the current facility.
We believe that moving forward with work at the current site is akin to putting a Band -Aid on the pool. It would not
fully address the shortfalls that exist and would be doing a disservice to the students of the district and the taxpayers
who support it. On the flip side, we believe this presents us with a wonderful opportunity to bring the idea of
collaboration between the district, the city and other partners to life in a meaningful way.
We would like to invite representatives from the city council and city staff, as you see fit, to meet with
representatives from the school board and district administration to discuss the possible creation of a new, stand-
alone aquatic center. At the meeting, we wish to discuss what the framework might be for beginning broader
conversations with potential private partners in the community who may find great interest in this endeavor as well.
Acting Superintendent Stan Rheingans will be in touch to follow -up on this request.
A new facility, which has been discussed for years throughout the community, could be a flagship venue to serve the
students of the district and the greater Dubuque -area community. We believe now is an ideal time to begin these
talks.
As you know, there has been much talk in the past about how the district and city can collaborate in ways that make
Dubuque an even stronger, more vibrant community. We believe this is one way to bring action to our words.
Thank you in advance for your willingness to begin discussions — we look forward to many fruitful conversations in
the days ahead.
Sincerely,
1,t
Stan Rheingans
Acting Superintendent
Craig S. Beytien
President, Board of Education