Heater problem shuts down GHS pool

Grafton High School’s swimming pool remains out of commission indefinitely after its water heater was disconnected from the school’s boiler system during the school’s renovation projects.

“During the construction project it was disconnected,” School District Supt. Jeff Nelson said. “There was an oversight of not ordering a new boiler for the pool.”

Nelson said the water heater, which was budgeted for outside of the district’s $39.9 million school facilities project, is currently out for bid. He said he was not sure what the cost is.

Nelson said the plan was to have a separate boiler for the pool to save on costs and energy. 

“When that was approved, it was something that slipped through the cracks with all the other construction projects going on. Right now, we’re expediting that process to get the pool ready for student-athletes,” he said.

Nelson plans to have a timeline for fixing the pool by next week and will inform families about any changes to the girls varsity swim team schedule.

The Grafton High School girls’ swimming and diving team was scheduled to host six meets this season: against Plymouth on Aug. 30, Whitefish Bay on Sept. 11, Port Washington on Oct. 2, Cedarburg on Oct. 9, North Shore Conference diving Oct. 26 and conference swimming Oct. 29. 

The team has been using the outdoor pool at the Grafton Family Aquatic Center in the morning since practices began earlier this month, but the center will be closed after Aug. 29.

“The village has been a great partner with helping us,” Nelson said. “We have reached out to other districts if it goes into the year.”

Nelson said Homestead High School has offered the team some pool time.

The high school pool is also used by residents and is rented out for community events. “It has not only had an impact on our athletes, but our community as well,” Nelson said.

Meanwhile, Nelson said, the demolition of Grafton Elementary School and improvements to the district’s offices have been put on hold because construction projects have been prioritized at the other schools before the start of class on Sept. 4. 

“We held off on the demolition of GES because our emphasis has been getting the schools ready for students,” Nelson said, noting he expects work at the high school to be complete next week. Demolition of the elementary school will follow.             Nelson said the district is currently waiting for permits from the state to disconnect gas and power lines at the elementary school before it can be demolished and turned into a parking lot by the end of October.

Next week, inspections at the schools are to be complete and Nelson expects the buildings will receive permission for occupancy. 

“There may be some areas that need a touch-up of paint or some trim still added, but all the major pieces will be in place,” he said.