Could William Penn pool see new life?
BT Express organized a committee to raise funds to restore the high school's swimming pool.
A small item expected to be on the York City School Board's agenda this week could mean the start of new life for the pool at William Penn Senior High School.
The school board is expected to vote Wednesday on creating a financial account to accept donations from fundraising by the BT Express to restore the high school pool.
BT Express, an organization that works to support York City's student athletes, organized a committee in the spring to begin raising funds to restore the pool and diving tank, according to documents given to the school board.
York City works to expand STEAM program
Juanita Kirkland, co-founder of BT Express, declined to comment, saying there would be a formal announcement at a later date, if the board approves moving forward.
William Penn is the most decorated high school swimming program in York County history, with 31 district team titles, 16 state team titles, and 63 state gold medals. But its swimming program ended after the 2011-12 season. The pool was closed, and it now sits empty, used for storage, according to the proposal given to the board.
"The un-usable vacant space is an eye sore and embarrassment for students, the district and the community," the proposal from BT Express says. "The swimming and diving complex windows are now covered, our great aquatic history is being forgotten and a valuable resource is withering on the vine."
William Penn's swimming program ended but left behind successful legacy
The proposal imagines a rejuvenation of swimming programs and competitions between schools, but first the pool needs work. It needs to be expanded — made 2 inches wider and 2 inches longer — to meet PIAA standards now, the documents say, and there are a host of other repairs necessary.
The committee's goal is to raise $1.2 million by 2018-19. Mayor Kim Bracey and state Rep. Kevin Schreiber, D-York, have agreed to chair the project, according to the documents.
Bracey referenced the pool in her 2015 State of the City speech, saying leaving the pool empty sends poor messages to students.