Medford High School's pool will be drained for one day in early August so engineers can scan its structure, with officials saying the timing was chosen specifically to avoid disrupting swim team practices.

MEDFORD -- The Medford High School Building Committee, meeting July 22, approved a consulting contract that includes having the firm Thompson and Lichner scan the pool basin and deck for structural information ahead of the building's planned renovation.

HIGH SCHOOL -- School Building Committee member Maria Dorsey raised concerns about the timing of the pool work, noting "USA SWIM will be beginning again" and that "our swim team will probably be getting their practices." Committee member Ken Lord, who said he worked with pool director Rachel on the schedule, said the district already sets aside a "pool closure week" each year for a deep clean of the locker rooms, and that the scanning work is planned for the weekend just before that week. Under the plan, the pool would be drained over a weekend, scanned by Thompson and Lichner, and immediately refilled; the pool would then be balanced during the standing closure week so it is ready in time for summer activities, which Lord said start "on the 17th." SMMA project representatives told the committee the scan will help structural engineers locate rebar and identify weak spots in the pool basin and deck, since no existing-conditions drawings exist for the pool. Lord said the date was selected in consultation with Rachel.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.