We, the citizens of the city of College Station, support the expansion or construction of swimming and diving facilities that are consistent with our districts mission to provide services and programs that meet the needs of students. We believe that our current facilities are inadequate and do not meet the needs of our students and community. We would ask that the board consider the following facts: - There are hundreds of College Station children and adults that have to travel to Bryan every week to swim due to a lack of swimming lanes at the current middle school facility. - There are hundreds more that travel to Texas A&M to swim at great expense. This facility is off limits, unless an individual is a member of the Aggie Swim Club or has a TAMU Rec Membership. You have to be associated with the university to be eligible for the membership. Currently, Trinity Multisport Youth TRI Team, Aggie Swim Club, & B.C.S. TRI Club have to travel to Bryan to swim when most of their members live and attend school in College Station. - There is an overall lack of year round swimming facilities in the Brazos Valley. There are currently NO public (School, City, or Private with open membership) year round swimming facilities in College Station. This is an embarrassment for a city our size. - College Station I.S.D. swimming facilities are poor compared to other like sized districts. The pool located at College Station Middle School is too small for practices and meets. Additionally, it is not grounded and has to close whenever electricity is in the atmosphere. - Swimming is both a lifesaving skill and a lifetime sport. People of all ages in our community will benefit from an adequate facility in College Station. We would respectfully ask that the School Board consider these facts and place the construction of an Aquatics Facility on the November Bond Election.