As of May 2, 1997, just under $800,000 has been raised by the Ahwaga Pool Committee for the $4,000,000 pool/10 classroom addition to the Owego Free Academy according to Jerry Russell, business manager of the Owego-Apalachin School District. This is about $200,000 short of the committee's goal of raising $1,000,000 by May 1, 1997.

The almost $800,000 raised includes about $250,000 from a local estate. This bequest is being challenged in court and a decision will be made soon as to whether the money goes to the Ahwaga Pool Committee or defaults to Stray Haven and the Owego Fire Department. The will of the estate states a May 1997 deadline in order for the money to be used for the pool project. The difference in interpretation of the will is whether the pool has to be constructed by May 1997.

The pool/classroom proposition which was voted on by the school district states that $1,000,000 must come from the Ahwaga Pool Committee or the pool/classroom addition project would not go forth. There is some discrepancy as to when the money must be received by the school district. During the public hearings on the project, many people were given the impression that the district must receive the money by May 1997 or another way to get the needed classroom space will be determined. The rooms must be ready for the fall of 1998 to accommodate the "bubble" class (a class that has more students than previous classes).

School officals now state that "there is no cut-off date for the money to come in." According to state law, the proposition is good for up to ten years.