Friends of the Juanita High School Pool,

I would like to thank our citizens and families who have contacted district staff and the school board regarding the possibility of closing the Juanita High School pool. This facility serves as a highly valued resource for our community, and I appreciate your passion and energy to keep the facility open. I wish that the current state budget situation was more positive, and that pool finances were not such a drain on the district general fund. Unfortunately this is not the case, and as a school district we are indentifying a number potential cuts that will be necessary due to reduced revenues from the state.

As you know the Juanita High School staff and swim team coaching staff was notified that closure of the pool is a possibility in light of the current state budget crisis, and the current operating costs of the pool. Currently the pool operates at $150,000 loss every year that is paid for by the LWSD general fund. The current revenue generated by the pool is $135,000, and the expenses are $285,000 annually. In addition, the pool needs over $600,000 in repairs in the very short term to keep it open, with another $900,000 in repairs that will be necessary over the next 10 years. While the state budget is still currently in development, we are projecting the possibility of a $10 million budget cut as a result of the state budget shortfall. This will require very deep cuts, and a number of important programs are at risk.

Over the past two weeks a number of citizens have contacted me regarding the pool, and the following is designed to provide clarity regarding decision making, details, and timing.

• Has the decision been made to close the pool?
  No, pool closure is under consideration, but it has not been decided. The final decision will be made as a part of the budget prioritization process this spring.
• Who makes the decision, and when will it be made?
  The Superintendent will be making the decision whether or not to close the pool, and will incorporate his recommendation as part of the final budget to the school board. The budget will be presented to the board in June for final approval in August. A final decision will be made no later than June 30th regarding the pool.
• Are you reaching out to other groups to see if someone else would like to run the pool?
  Yes, we have contacted the City of Kirkland, Evergreen Hospital, as well as other aquatic organizations in the area. We are hoping to receive proposals from aquatic organizations during the month of April.
• Can the district raise prices to generate more revenue for the pool?
  Yes, prices can be raised, but it is not clear whether those increased prices will generate enough revenue to fully cover the losses. And most certainly, the capital costs will not be covered by raising prices. These options are currently being considered.
• Can a bond or levy cover the expenses for the pool?
  A capital levy (2010) may be used to pay for some or all of the capital expenses, but not the operating expenses. The operating expenses ($150K per year) need to be generated out of increased revenues or sponsorship.
• Is a new pool planned for the JHS modernization in the future?
  It has not been decided whether a pool will be within the scope of the JHS modernization.
• Where does the pool fit in district priorities?
  As a district, we strongly support extra-curricular activities of our students, including swimming. Our first priority, however, is the academic education of our students. Where the pool fits in district priorities will be determined during the budget process this spring.
• How can I voice my opinion on this issue?
  You are free to contact the district administration and the school board on the issue. More importantly, we will be asking for community feedback on budget priorities during the month of April that will help us prioritize what cuts will need to be made.

I want to thank our community members once again for voicing their opinion on this issue. We will be considering the impacts of the Juanita pool as well as other budget impacts this spring, and welcome our community to join us in this process.

Please feel free to contact my office if you would like any further information.

Regards,

Dr. Chip Kimball, Superintendent
ckimball@lwsd.org