Improvements slated for Libertyville High pool

It's not the massive, multimillion-dollar overhaul some community members have wished for, but an improvement plan is in the works for Libertyville High School's pool.

Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 officials are considering installing a new air filter for the indoor aquatic center at the school. The equipment would improve air quality and not affect the pool directly, said Yasmine Dada, the district's assistant superintendent for business.

A new air filter could cost the district about $1 million. That's far less than the expected price of renovating the pool area, a job that could cost $10 million to $16 million, Dada said.

A project that significant simply isn't affordable today, officials said.

"We want to be conservative right now, given the economic climate," District 128 board President Pat Groody said.

The school board's facilities and finance committee discussed the air-filter proposal, which was recommended by a consultant, this week. The board has not yet voted to purchase the equipment.

The consultant said the equipment could extend the life of the pool by 15 or 20 years, board member Judy Sugarman said.

"It would be lovely to have a new swimming pool. But there is not money to fund it now," Sugarman said. "We have to be wise with the money we have (so) we don't have to ask the public for money for a very long time."

District 128 voters last approved a tax-rate increase in 2001 to pay for operating costs. Building projects since then, such as a $9 million addition at Libertyville High that was completed in 2004, did not necessitate tax-rate increases.