The Lindbergh High School Pool is saved, at least for now.
“This effort clearly shows that when a community and school district work together, we can truly make great things happen,” said Renton School Board President Lynn Desmarais in a press release.
The community, City of Renton and district all pitched in to close the $175,000 funding gap for the 2010-2011 school year, but it’s only a one-year lease on life.
“We’re not committing to another year,” said spokesperson Randy Matheson, adding that the district is expecting deeper budget cuts next year.
Lindbergh and Hazen high school pool fee increases
Swim sessions, youth $3.50 (up from $2.50), adults $4 (up from $3)
Swim lessons, $7.50 (up from $5.50
After program cuts, increased pool fees and a one-time donation from the city, the community was responsible for raising about $15,000.
The group reached its June deadline with car washes and a swim-a-thon. Individual donations ranged from $10 to $2,300.
The 2011-2012 school year could come with greater challenges.
The $40,000 given from the City of Renton, money leftover from the Benson Hill annexation, was a one-time deal.
This means the community could be responsible for raising $55,000 to keep the pool open a second year, Matheson said.
Two years ago King County operated the Lindbergh pool, which is on district property. But when Benson Hill annexed the county handed over the building to the school district.
Money from the annexation helped keep the pool open for another two years, but that money ran dry this year.
When the district announced a possible closure in January, the community pulled together to find solutions.
One idea was to increase fees, which were reduced when the district took over. In June Hazen and Lindbergh both saw $1 fee increases for swim sessions and $2 increases for lessons.
The district also cut a pool administrator position, saving $60,000.
