ADRIAN — The public is invited to attend two community forums about a possible May bond election for Adrian Public Schools.

The forums will address the feasibility of a bond proposal for an indoor community recreation facility, as well as exploring the possibility of a partnership with the city of Adrian to add the cost of replacing Bohn Pool to the proposal. Bohn Pool, which is owned by the city and is more than 50 years old, has experienced numerous problems over the past several years and the city has opted to stop spending money to shore it up.

According to a news release from APS, the potential ballot initiative would aim to benefit the district’s students and the broader Adrian community by providing a year-round space for sports, recreation, fitness, arts, and community events, and potentially a new community pool.

A bond issue was previously scheduled for this November, but those plans were delayed following the announcement of Siena Heights University’s closure.

“Throughout this process over the last 24 months, we have worked closely with and listened to our community regarding this project,” Superintendent Nate Parker said. “We still believe that building this facility is the right thing to do for our students and the community; however, the closing of Siena Heights University required further analysis and time for processing for our community and our district.”

Community forum dates and times will be: 

• Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Adrian High School media center, 785 Riverside Ave.
• Monday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, 340 E. Church St.

The original proposal for a community recreation center followed a facilities assessment and discussions with various stakeholder groups in 2023 and 2024. “Many communities have built similar facilities, enriching the lives of residents and fostering a sense of community pride,” athletic director Chad O’Brien stated. “This is Adrian’s opportunity to create something meaningful for our residents and future students.”

At a recent Adrian City Commission meeting, it was determined that Bohn Pool could not be opened for the summer of 2026 due to the pool’s continued maintenance needs. The school and city have a partnership for youth recreation established in 2018. School district and city officials said that, with exploration of a community recreational facility already underway, it was a logical step to determine whether community support exists to add a new pool to the anticipated May bond proposal.

The original proposal called for a 0.75-mill levy, which would have raised $27.5 million. The cost for the owner of a $200,000 home would have been $75 per year, or $6.25 per month.

The district and city are seeking to find out if the community would support a proposal for 0.95 mills instead.

District officials stated that placing the two facilities on a ballot proposal aligns with the district’s strategic plans, but noted that a proposal that includes school bond dollars solely for the construction of a pool would not align with the district’s long-term strategic plan. Under the plan being explored, funds generated by a successful bond proposal would be used to construct the two facilities. The pool would be operated and maintained by the city of Adrian. The Community Recreation Center would be located at Adrian High School and operated and maintained by the school district, with continued support from the city through the already-established youth recreation partnership.

“Our community’s input is vital as we explore how to sustain a pool in Adrian,” new city administrator Chad Baugh stated. “Partnering with the school district builds on a strong foundation, reduces duplication, and supports a shared vision for recreation that serves residents of all ages. Working together, we can enhance services, manage long-term costs responsibly, and ensure any solution reflects the priorities of the people we serve.”