The USD 232 school board approved adding a swimming team to the district sports program, for the 2012-13 school year at its monthly meeting on Jan. 9.

It was initially proposed last April, and a survey was completed by students at De Soto High School and Mill Valley High School to determined interest in a swim team (this was also done for the bowling team). The estimated cost for two swim teams is $35,838, based on just 24 students participating.

Since there is not a pool at De Soto or Mill Valley, the district will provide transportation for the athletes to go to Oregon Trail Middle School in Olathe to use their facilities for practices.

Mill Valley and De Soto will participate in the same events as separate schools but will practice together. However, if numbers are lower similar to that of the girls’ golf team, they may have to combine swim teams.

If there are enough students participating then goal is to have both varsity and junior varsity programs for both high schools.

“As of now it all depends on the number of students interested in swimming. Most likely we will just have one varsity team, but it will all depend on numbers.” Rollie Van Wyhe, the district activities and athletic director said.

When it comes down to uniforms, all students will be responsible for 50 percent of the purchase of the swimwear and the school will take care of the other 50 percent, and at the end of the year the athlete will keep the uniform.