Keller ISD trustees move $2.139 million to fix natatorium after filtration failure; pool likely closed through summer

Keller ISD trustees voted unanimously May 14 to transfer $2,139,000 from fund balance to the district general fund to pay for emergency repairs at the Keller ISD natatorium after the pool’s filtration system failed and staff determined the water could not be safely circulated.

The superintendent, Dr. Jason Wilson, told trustees the amendment covers a commercial pool filter replacement (bided at about $357,000) plus $150,000 in associated installation contingencies and an estimated $1.6 million dehumidification/Dectron unit to remove corrosive chlorinated air and protect HVAC equipment. Administration said commercial pool filters are made to order and that delivery could take about 2–3 months, with roughly 10–14 days for installation once parts arrive.

The vote followed more than an hour of public comment from hundreds of swimmers, parents, coaches and alumni who described the natatorium as a districtwide life‑safety and athletic resource. “Funding the pool saves lives,” Lakeside Aquatic Club supporter Tate Floyd told the board during the audience-with-individuals period. Students and parents also urged the board to pursue partnerships, naming rights and a bond to cover longer-term needs.

Trustees pressed staff for additional detail before final procurement. Trustee Kelly said she had spent time with coaches and LAC leadership and urged administration to return with: additional vendor quotes, a comprehensive operating plan showing how the enterprise could at least break even, and a written agreement or memorandum of understanding with the city and outside users where possible. Finance staff described the natatorium as run presently in an operating deficit: lane‑rental and contract fees returned by the primary renter (Lakeside Aquatic Club) total roughly $256,000 annually under current contracts, while utilities and payroll push true annual costs far higher.

Administration told the board that some emergency work can begin while parts are ordered, but that the failed filters mean the pool cannot host district programming or LAC practices this summer unless interim arrangements are secured with neighboring pools. Board members and staff said they are pursuing short-term options with nearby districts and community pools to accommodate displaced programming and are in early negotiations with city officials and LAC leadership about revised operating arrangements.

Board president Burt framed the vote as a two-step process: first, move the funds into the fund to enable immediate contracting; second, bring back formal procurement for trustees’ approval. Trustees confirmed they want the administration to return at the next meeting with vendor bids and a “profit improvement” plan that lays out how the natatorium’s operations and agreements will be amended to reduce recurring losses.

For now, administration estimates the pool will remain closed until replacement filters are delivered and installed; vendors told staff that lead times for the filters are about 2–3 months. The board approved the budget amendment 6–0.

The district also said it will continue pursuing a November bond and potential property sales to improve long‑term capital funding for facilities, including more comprehensive natatorium work beyond the immediate emergency repairs.