School district goes big

There’s a pool fight brewing at the Laguna Beach High School.

Correction: An Olympic pool, tennis courts, parking lots, administration offices, a theatre refresh and more.

At a cost of more than $100 million (and dozens of upset neighbors), this fight will not go well.

The Laguna Beach School District is updating its 10-year Facilities Master Plan and has created a what-if scenario about improving the high school, Thurston Middle School, and the two elementary schools, Top of the World and El Morro. Officials have been holding open houses, including one on May 2, to showcase the draft plans and get community input.

And boy, is there input.

The high school plan, in particular, has caused the most consternation because of the projected cost and scope.

It is an ambitious plan to help solve a couple problems, including parking and a current pool that’s apparently about five meters too short, which means it doesn’t live up to water polo standards.

From the district’s perspective, it’s trying to think ahead, ensure it can meet student requirements, and explore ways to expand the recreational needs of the broader community.

Ergo, an Olympic-sized pool and parking structure. Who doesn’t want that?

Well, a lot of people, especially if your home is currently facing a magnificent ocean view one day and then a parking lot the next.

At the May 2 meeting in the high school library, the anti-crowd was ready for a fight, but the format of the event prevented it. There was no presentation, no podium, no dais, no 3-minute feedback opportunity.

It was just a bunch of posterboards and some snacks.

Overheard:

“This is so frustrating.”

“Unbelievable.”

And the occasional, “I like it.”

Most of the criticism centers on a few areas:

• Size: Many believe that it’s simply too big and “not Laguna.” There could be an alternative plan that allows for the expansion of the pool without having to build a “massive aquatics center,” they say.
• Need: Some are wondering why the school district needs such a big overhaul. Enrollment is on the decline. The tennis courts were just redone. The athletic field was overhauled in 2018. No other Orange County school has a 50-meter pool.
• Oversight: Some are also grousing about the process. The school district doesn’t have to follow the same rules as city agencies and zoning, for example, because schools are mostly exempt by state law. But since the district is largely funded by property taxes, residents feel entitled to have a voice, and so far they are feeling shut out. Even with the open houses, in order to give feedback, you have to scan a QR code and go to this site. There’s not that palpable satisfaction of complaining face-to-face.

Of course, the online site Nextdoor is on fire over this project. People are claiming all kinds of things, including that this is just one big ploy by the district to relocate its offices for a better ocean view.

The critics are also throwing stones at the district’s chosen architect, Ruhnau Clarke Architects, pointing out that the firm is not local and based in Riverside – the horror. What people fail to mention, however, is that since 1950, the award-winning Ruhnau firm has specialized in designing educational facilities – performing arts centers, administration offices, and sports complexes – and recently revamped more than 30 school projects across California, including Laguna’s own track remodel at the high school. So this is not their first rodeo, and to claim they are less-than outsiders is just wrong.

Make no mistake, there are legitimate concerns with this project, but it should be emphasized that it’s early days. The district seems sincere in gathering feedback (with four open houses, plus at least one joint meeting with the City Council on June 6).

If this is going to be a joint project of some sort with the city – and it should be – then there will be a lot more opportunity for fighting. In the meantime, the district is trying to put a good face on it.

“The idea of a new, Olympic-sized swimming pool in my beloved town of Laguna Beach is amazing. Better yet, the idea of providing the students of LBUSD with access to a 50-meter facility is game-changing,” said resident Janet Evans in a recent district press release. “With the tradition of excellence in aquatics here in Laguna Beach, continuing this legacy for future generations is imperative for our town. This is a great opportunity to nurture youth sports in our city.”

Details notwithstanding, with the glossy photos and the warm glow of helping our kids achieve their Olympic dreams, what’s not to like?