Geneva, South Elgin high schools to share swim programs

Geneva and South Elgin high schools will share resources this school year and next so female students from both schools can participate in a cooperative swimming program.

Elgin Area School District U-46 and Geneva Unit District 304 this week inked the deal for joint girls swimming and diving teams using South Elgin High School's pool facilities.

Geneva High School does not have a swimming pool or swimming and diving teams for boys or girls. Its students will participate in state meets as the South Elgin Storm team.

Home meets and practices will be held at South Elgin High, which will be responsible for providing the necessary personnel for supervision and security during home contests.

Both districts benefit from the deal, said Terri Lozier, U-46 assistant superintendent of secondary schools instruction and equity.

"They only have three or four students so it's not enough to have their own team," Lozier said about Geneva High. "They will actually use the coaches from South Elgin High School and they will pay our athletic fees."

South Elgin High's athletic fees for all sports, except football, is $150.

While U-46 will provide the coaches for the girls swim program, both districts will share in the costs, including coaching salaries, equipment expenses, official expenses, entry fees, meet workers, and transportation to away contests from South Elgin. Transportation costs will be reviewed during and after each season to determine appropriate participation fees for the following season, per the deal.

Geneva High is responsible for transporting its athletes to South Elgin.

The agreement can be renewed in two years, if supported by both districts, and the Upstate Eight Athletic Conference and Illinois High School Association.