MOSES LAKE - The swimming pool at Moses Lake High School will open for public use sometime in October, possibly as early as Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The pool's status was discussed at the regular meeting of the Moses Lake School Board Thursday.

District superintendent Michelle Price said the opening date depends on meeting occupancy requirements from the state Department of Health. The DOH inspectors got a look at the building Thursday, but asked for a few changes before issuing any certificates, Price said.

When the pool opens, public hours will from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday. Registration is open for swim lessons; more information is available on the district website.

Lifeguard training has been completed, Price said, with the help of Ephrata officials, who allowed use of the Splash Zone.

The board voted last year to build a new permanent covering around the pool, and construction started in February.

In other business, board members announced the first community forum of the school year will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 30, in the board room at the transportation center, 920 East Yonezawa Blvd. Board chair Connie Opheikens and vice-chair Kevin Donovan will be answering questions.

District patrons are invited to come and ask questions on any school-related subject, or make comments on school issues.

Food service director Mel Lopez reported on new regulations for the food service program, which went into effect July 1.

The new rules require that any food sold to students during school hours meet guidelines of the "Smart Snacks" program. Along with breakfast and lunch, that includes vending machines, school stores, any a la carte offerings, snack carts, and any fundraisers during school hours. The rules apply for 30 minutes after the end of the school day, Price said.

The Smart Snacks program focuses on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, proteins and dairy, Lopez said. The rules do allow juice sales, but different portion sizes are required for elementary, middle school and high school students, Lopez said.

Sales started slow but have picked up, Price said. Students at the Columbia Basin Skills Center have the option of eating at the in-school cafe, but they can't use their school lunch vouchers, she said.

Concession sales at sports events will continue unchanged, Price said.