At the Palm Beach County School District's Board Meeting on December 18, 2024, community concerns took center stage as members of the Hispanic Education Coalition (HEC) voiced their frustrations over the closure of a school pool, which has drawn significant media attention. Vice Chair Abel Melton highlighted the disappointment felt by local residents, questioning the district's maintenance priorities and the decision to replace the aging pool with a parking lot.

Melton emphasized that the pool is just one of several pressing issues at the school, which also include deteriorating facilities like the auditorium and gymnasium. He raised concerns about whether maintenance funds are being allocated fairly across the district, suggesting that such neglect would not be tolerated in more affluent areas like Boca Raton or Wellington.

In a positive turn, Melton noted ongoing discussions between the district and local government to build a new community pool, calling for greater transparency in the process. He urged that a representative from the HEC be included in these discussions to ensure community voices are heard.

The meeting also celebrated the HEC's recent fundraising success through their second annual La Vuelta bike tour, which supports scholarships for local students. Melton expressed gratitude to board members and district staff for their support, wishing everyone a joyous holiday season.

As the meeting progressed, the board welcomed public speakers, maintaining their policy of not engaging directly with them, but ensuring that community concerns are acknowledged. The discussions underscored the importance of community involvement and transparency in addressing the needs of students and facilities within the district.