Bethel: District doesn't need pricey aquatic center

A $29 million aquatic center with splash pool, lazy river, waterslide and therapy pool are considered as a high building priority for the Bethel School District. As a taxpayer and concerned citizen who wants fiscal responsibility by our school board, I say no.

These are not needed or required for a better education. They are just wishes of a few, and are unnecessarily expensive for the taxpayers, especially for those on a limited income.

The district has lost all reality or common sense about expecting the taxpayer to pay for their wishes that are way beyond their needs.

Not only is the cost of the aquatic center beyond reason, I’m also concerned that it would put the school district at undue risk for lawsuits due to injury or accidental drownings. It will also create additional unnecessary insurance and maintenance costs for taxpayers.

So Bethel School District taxpayers, vote no on the proposed bond measure and put the brakes on the district over enthusiastic spending of our tax money. If enough people want the aquatic center, let them have public fund-raisers for its construction and charge a user fee to cover ongoing costs. Don’t expect the taxpayers to do it.

This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Bethel: District doesn't need pricey aquatic center."