As of the Nov. 11 school board meeting, there will be a Swim Team despite low participation and a drained pool. Maintaining the pool costs over $100,000 dollars annually, according to Business Manager Noreen Plate. The pool was drained prior to the start of this year as recent budget cuts became more intense. “When resources are tight, we have to make some tough decisions,” School Superintendent Dr. Ron Sofo said. Tight resources create a problem for the Swim Team. “With an empty pool, that can’t be any more negative for kids that want to swim,” Coach Bill Layton said. “We’ve had a very poor turnout this year.” A total of eight members have attended team meetings so far; however, “I’m willing to work under any circumstances we need to have,” Layton said. There is still some positivity from Swim Team members, despite not having a pool at FHS. “Just because there isn’t a pool at Freedom anymore, I haven’t stopped believing that we could still be a good team,” Junior Alexis Potts said. Layton proposed several different options at the school board meeting to create a solution for the Swim Team. One of these options included postponing the team altogether until next year to save money for potentially opening the pool. This suggestion was flawed, according to the school board. “We can’t commit right here right now… we don’t know what our budgetary plan is [for next year],” School Board President Kathleen Schlegel said. After attending a swimming clinic in Sept. hosted by USA Swimming, Layton also suggested that “USA Swimming [could come] in to do an assessment to help us get through what we’re going through with expenses, free of charge.” USA Swimming is a national service organization that encourages swimmers of all ages to advance and grow in the sport. In addition to assisting different swim teams and having over 2,800 clubs across the country, USA Swimming is also responsible for training and selecting the competitors in the Olympic Games. Aid from USA Swimming requires setting a meeting several months in advance with the school board and the organization, so Layton decided to settle on another option presently. The Swim Team plans to afloat by continuing to use the facilities at New Brighton’s Sunrise Pool, providing the team with a place to practice and hold meets. Even though this will result in costs for busing the team back and forth, the funds are available due to other sports cutting back to save the Swim Team. Currently, the Swim Team will use Sunrise Pool for practices and home meets. A problem that has not been resolved is the lack of swimmers, however. “We need to have more kids on deck with [the Swim Team],” Layton said. Despite budget, pool and participation issues, “I’m willing to do anything there is to do to keep this program alive,” Layton said. The Swim Team’s first scrimmage will be held Nov. 28 against Cornell.