Assembly urges school district to keep Seldovia and Ninilchik pools open for 2026 school year

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly on Aug. 5 adopted Resolution 20-25-036 urging the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District to use existing operating funds to provide an interim solution to keep school pools in Seldovia and Ninilchik open for fiscal year 2026.

Assembly members Seth Dunn and Mr. Johnson (sponsor) introduced the resolution after withdrawing an ordinance that would have reallocated funds; the resolution asks the district to consider using its operating funds rather than directing the borough to reassign budget lines. Chair Cox moved adoption on behalf of the policies and procedures committee.

Assemblymember Johnson said the two pools are “the first two to be earmarked for closing down” and described a local campaign to protect them. Assemblymember Don noted community efforts in Seldovia, including a petition to create a recreation service area and a local request to raise a mill rate to fund pool operations. Vice President Cooper said she supports the resolution and described how declining enrollment and homeschooling reduce district revenue and the district's ability to maintain smaller community facilities.

Mayor Michicky and other members said they supported sending a strong request to the district rather than using borough ordinance to reallocate funds. The resolution passed by unanimous consent.

Sponsors said the measure is intended as an interim step to keep the pools open while the borough and the district explore longer-term funding or service-area solutions. Assembly members described additional follow-up work, including exploring district-level funding options and community-led initiatives to preserve aquatic programs that provide safety and recreation in waterfront communities.