Hollister parents upset and disappointed over drained HS pool

An outdated pool causing safety concerns for student-athletes in Hollister was enough to force the school district to shut down the only community pool in the county indefinitely.

The timetable for renovations is up in the air. But Wednesday night, the school board gave residents a clearer picture of what needs to be done.

It was an emotional school board meeting at San Benito High School with a number of parents speaking out. Even some students tearing up at the thought of losing their pool for entire season of competitive swimming and water polo.

With the help of design contractors, the board suggested upgrading to what they call a “super pool.” It would essentially combine water polo, diving and racing lanes into one to help maximize the space and save money. But even still, they estimate it could set them back at least $6 million.

Hayleigh Smith is a rising senior who said her entire family has competed in the water. She’s gunning for a division one scholarship for water polo and now she fears that won’t happen.

One of the things she said she’s going to miss the most is the camaraderie she gets from being around her team.

“There’s such a bond and such a beautiful connection that we all share because we’ve played water polo for so long and to see it kind of ripped away because we all have to go to different places, it’s terrible,” Smith said.

Options for next school year include the possibility having the students practice and compete at other schools out of the area. However, some parents said that’s putting a lot of the burden on the students to travel long distances.

Looking forward, the board asked the contractors to come up with design concepts and a legitimate plan by August 4.

As for paying the millions of dollars, the board said it is looking into combining forces with the county, the city and private entities.