Q.C. district OKs pool partnership with Gilbert group

Feb 19, 2010 — East Valley Tribune

Hayley Ringle

Feb. 19, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- EVO Swim School will continue operating the Queen Creek Unified School District pool after the district's governing board unanimously decided Tuesday night to keep the unique partnership through the 2010-11 school year.

Although the contract is still being fine-tuned by lawyers, district officials say it will give the Gilbertbased swim school 100 percent financial responsibility for the pool's operation for the seven months EVO is offering swim programs to the public.

EVO Swim School will start offering lessons, a swim team, adult swim and expanded adult programs at the Queen Creek pool April 5, a month earlier than last year, said David Tait, EVO owner. Enrollment is expected to start in March.

"It was a very successful year, and we're hoping to continue that this year," said assistant superintendent Michelle Bailey. "Our goal is to have all expenses paid in full year-round."

Tait said they are moving closer to that goal.

"As we grow, we will be able to give a percentage back to the district," Tait told the board Tuesday. "Hopefully, if things go well, we will be able to pay for the remaining (five) months."

EVO took over operations of the pool last year and opened it in May. The swim school offered lessons, and swim and dive team opportunities through October.

The Queen Creek facility, on Chandler Heights Road west of Ellsworth Road, features an eightlane competition lap pool, two diving boards, a teaching area that ranges from 3 to 5 feet deep and two shaded bleachers.

The swim school was under contract last year to pay for more than 75 percent of the pool's operating expenses.

It's believed to be the only deal in the East Valley in which a private company runs a school district pool for public and district use.

The Arizona Swimming Gauchos, a nonprofit swimming organization, operates the Glendale Community College pool in the West Valley, said Charlie Cunningham, the head swim coach/executive director of swimming operations.

Board president Jeff Black said the relationship between the school district and EVO keeps "getting better."

The Queen Creek school district owns the $2.8 million aquatic complex and was able to build the pool mainly through a $2.5 million bond voters approved in 2002.

However, after the pool was built, the cashstrapped district struggled to find enough money to operate it for the public until EVO stepped in to provide public programs. A partnership with Queen Creek never worked out.

To reach EVO Swim School, call (480) 539-2660 or visit evoswimschool.com/queencreek.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0132-42206684