Measure SOS Makes a Splash

Sophia Duzich• October 28, 2025

With deteriorating concrete, a rusted floor and chipping tile, the more than 50 year old pool at Miraleste Intermediate School was in desperate need of repair. At a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 14, 2025, the first step in the pool’s $2 million renovation was taken. A sea of smiles could be seen at the ceremony as board members, staff, families and students gathered around to hear the exciting new plans for the pool. The new improvements will include underground lighting, redone plaster and tile and new diving boards. Unsurprisingly, students are thrilled for the much-needed remodel. Coach and lifeguard Jeffrey Webb commented on the current state of the pool.

“As you can see, there are lots of uneven surfaces and sharp edges,”Webb said. “The pool and deck are also very compromised. I am just really happy they are going to replace it all.”

Thanks to the Measure SOS school bond, Miraleste and other PVPUSD schools have been able to receive funding for the repairs of numerous facilities. The bond measure will cover the cost of the renovation and ensure that district schools receive needed renovations through taxpayer funds. Principal Michael Lehault shared that getting the required funding was not an easy or quick process.

“Architectural work has to go through the Department of State Architects (DSA) that is funded through our district,” Lehault said. “Bond Measure SOS will fund this pool, but will also fund other improvement projects throughout [the] PVPUSD.”

The renovation is expected to be completed in mid-February. This means that the pool will be ready just in time for the spring swim unit in Miraleste’s P.E. classes. In the meantime, all pool-related activities will be postponed until the pool’s completion. This is for students’ safety as much as it is for convenience, since the pool exhibits a high degree of deterioration. The damage is especially noticeable on its floor and edges. There is also a great deal of damage to the diving boards and the concrete surrounding it. The renovation will ensure the safety of the swimmers and provide a much-needed morale boost for students in the school’s P.E. program. Miraleste eighth grader Aalyiah Roumini reflected on the renovation.

“We have been using the pool for the last few weeks for the swim unit. I am excited for the pool to be reopened, just like many of the other kids here are,” Roumini said. “[We’re excited because] swimming in the pool is much more fun than having to run the mile.”

The renovation does not only benefit the middle school students, however. Peninsula’s water polo team often uses Miraleste’s pool as a replacement whenever Peninsula’s pool is closed. For Miraleste graduates gunning for Peninsula’s water polo team, this means they need not bid farewell to their beloved swimming pool. In this way, the impact of the swimming pool renovation transcends boundaries like mere grade level and school. The Measure SOS school bond will allow the Miraleste pool to be restored to its former pristine state.