ADRIAN — The Adrian school district has decided not to add an outdoor public pool to a planned May 2026 bond proposal to build a community recreation facility.

The idea of partnering with the city of Adrian to add a pool to the bond proposal, with the idea that the city would operate and maintain the pool, came up after city commissioners decided to stop putting money into repairs to Bohn Pool, which is more than 50 years old. However, after a process that included two community forums and a survey conducted by polling firm EPIC-MRA, school administrators opted not to pursue that idea.

“We appreciate the city’s collaboration and will continue to explore opportunities to work together and collaborate on services and opportunities for the community, but at this time we have determined that adding the pool and additional cost to this proposal is not a feasible plan,” Superintendent Nate Parker said in a statement.

Parker also addressed questions about whether the district would consider acquiring the Siena Heights University fieldhouse.

“We have done our best to explore any options that may be out there,” he said “At this time, using the SHU Field House does not appear to be an option, and we still believe it is important that this facility be on our campus to best serve the needs of our kids and our community. This aligns with our strategic plan and the input from many in our community. We still believe this is an important initiative that aligns with our collective vision. It is time to ask the voters if they will support this proposal, and to put it on the May ballot, we have some December deadlines to meet.”

The school board will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m. to approve placing the millage proposal on the May ballot.

The district has been able to lower the interest rates on its existing bonds, which will make it possible to cover the estimated $27.5 million cost of the proposed recreation facility with a millage increase of 0.65 mills, instead of 0.75 mills as previously thought. The impact of an 0.65-mill levy would be about $65 per year for the owner of a home valued at $200,000.