Pendleton superintendent says it takes a whole community to build a pool
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton School District is interested in being a part of the discussion that could bring an indoor competitive-sized pool to the Round-Up City. School Superintendent Michelle Jensen says she’s been aware of the need for a pool since she first arrived to begin her new job.
However, she said the funding doesn’t exist for the school district to take over the project. Modest estimates are it would cost about $20 million to build an indoor pool. Then, the annual cost of maintaining it would cost $200,000 to $300,000.
“We’re open to listening,” Jensen said. “I’m exploring possibilities of what that would look like and how we can meet the pool need as a community.”
Jensen suggests a task force be created that’s comprised of the city, the school district, and key community partners like St. Anthony Hospital.
File photo of Superintendent Jensen
