Thursday, November 29^th,  Superintendent Tom Seigel of the Bethel School District spoke at the weekly breakfast meeting of the 723 Networking Group.

Mr. Seigel began by stating that half of the school buildings in the district are now what can be considered new facilities. Since the 2001 and 2006 bonds were passed, many new buildings were built and many other fully remodeled. There was a great advantage to the district that the 2006 bond passed just before an economic downturn. Not only was there money to put back into the local economy, but the building industry was hungry for work and prices of material were lower so the cost to build the newer schools was far less than originally projected, leaving the district with the ability to do more work on the list of things that needed repair and construction.

He told the story of many other changes that have occurred in the Bethel District over the past 12 years while he has been Superintendent. He spoke of partnerships, groups that work in and with the schools, youth and staff. He told of organizations that rent the facilities, particularly Art Crate Field since it was resurfaced. Then Mr. Seigel talked about the new opportunities that have been occurring since the Pierce County Skills Center and the Bethel Learning Center have come online.

The Pierce County Skills Center and the Bethel Learning Center are multi-phase projects. Additional portions of those sites will be added as money becomes available. Currently, the District’s School Board is considering use of some of the newly available construction funds to put into a long desired project – a swimming center.

When Mr. Seigel began telling the different ideas that are being considered for this aquatic center, the ears of the business people perked up. The chatter around the room was about people who would come to the area to use the facilities and then need gas, food, lodging or other supplies from local businesses. They chatted about additional revenue to them as well as the increase to the tax base of the district. One told of a friend who was a world class swimmer who wanted to move to the area, but did not because there was no swimming program for young men in the district.

There is also talk of a regional park, some trails and a possible partnership with a YMCA facility. The room became electric. It was hard to control the conversation for several minutes and folks remarked among themselves with excitement. They started asking more questions of the Superintendent. He told them the board hadn’t been hearing this kind of positive feedback so far. Many asked if they could comment at a board meeting. The pleasure of the experience was apparent in the Superintendent’s face. In fact, the Post was also present at the local Kiwanis meeting at noon that same day. Mr. Seigel hadn’t shaken off the glow and was delighted to share the experience with them as well. It’s always good to hear that something you are doing is striking out in the right direction.

If you think a swimming complex is a great idea, long overdue and would have an amazing positive impact on the entire community surrounding it, you might want to join up with the 723 networking group and comment at the next Bethel School Board meeting December 11, 7 p.m. at the Educational Service Center at 516 176^th Street E., Spanaway.

In the meantime, if you notice Mr. Seigel looks like he just returned from a tropical island, it was just that around here, you don’t normally get that much sunshine out of a room full of local voters.

We will keep you updated as the discussion continues.