Februray 12, 2026 Seward Folly

NEWS RELEASE

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD)
KPBSD Provides Update on District Pool Operations and Potential Closures

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) is sharing an update on the future of district-operated swimming pools. KPBSD is currently the only school district in Alaska that is responsible for the funding and operation of swimming pools, which creates unique financial and operational responsibilities for the district.

As the district continues to evaluate long-term sustainability, communities and organizations have the opportunity to keep pools open by assuming financial and/or operational responsibility. Several entities have already reached out to KPBSD to learn more about potential options, including the City of Kenai, City of Seldovia, Ninilchik Community Council, Kachemak Swim Club, and the City of Seward.

The district remains actively engaged in discussions with these and other interested partners to explore possible paths forward. If pools are not filled or operational, KPBSD estimates an annual savings of approximately $1.16 million. These savings would come primarily from reduced staffing costs, including pool managers paid through the KPBSD General Fund, lower utility usage while still maintaining the buildings, and decreased maintenance due to reduced equipment use.

Several scenarios could allow pools to remain open. These include a municipality, swim club, or other organization assuming full operational responsibility; external partners or municipalities providing sufficient funding to fully offset operating costs; or the Kenai Peninsula Borough funding full pool operations outside of the school district’s funding cap.

Absent one of these solutions, KPBSD will close district-operated pools effective June 30, 2026. KPBSD remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and working with community partners to explore sustainable solutions that balance educational priorities and community needs.