Swim program lobbies for time in Dist. 211 pool

The ongoing saga for pool time between two Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 feeder programs continues.

Members of the Feeder Swim Club, which serves student populations from Fremd and Palatine high schools, attended Thursday's board meeting to once again air their grievances about losing pool time at Palatine High School to the rival program at the Palatine Park District.

The conflict has lasted for more than two years, as FSC was formed after a dispute led former park district coach Ed Richardson to create a new swim team.

The two programs butted heads but coexisted until a change in district policy took away FSC's pool time at Palatine, placing the program in jeopardy for the 143 swimmers at FSC.

FSC has asked District 211 for pool time at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, but so far the request has been denied, FSC co-President Bill Dicanio said.

District 211 Superintendent Nancy Robb said she preferred if FSC and the park district could unify. But Robb did say after hearing the five who spoke on FSC's behalf Thursday that she might reconsider.

"I can't tell you that I will make a different decision, but I will tell you that I will review all of the information and what was said this evening, and if that decision is changed, I'll certainly get back to you immediately," Robb said.

FSC supporters believe the programs should be distinct, saying FSC offers lower registration prices and has a more relaxed philosophy that differs from the more competitive atmosphere they said the park district offers.

"It's free for high school; we're doing this voluntarily and we're keeping the cost low for age-group swimmers that will eventually attend Palatine and/or Fremd High School," Dicanio said.

FSC charges $350 for registration and Dicanio said they've paid the school district $1,200 to $1,400 per year for seven hours of pool time per week.

The competition for pool time for swimmers can get heated, much in the same way hockey programs fight for ice rink time. Parents and athletes want consistent practice times during the week, and it's often difficult to accommodate parties without allegations of preferential treatment.

For example, Dicanio believes the Palatine Park District wants pool time in exchange for allowing District 211 access to its parks and other facilities. Dicanio doesn't agree with the school district's direction.

"I think what we have going is the right thing, in my opinion," he said.

Pool: Supporters say programs are different