In June, the group exceeded their fundraising goal to keep the pools at Hazen and Lindbergh high schools open for this school year.

High school swimmers prepare for a meet at the Hazen High School pool. Contributed

And while the additional funds raised have been carried over for next year’s pool operations, now the organization will begin work to raise the remaining $40,000 to reach the $60,000 goal to keep the pools open for the 2012-13 school year.

Because of continued state budget cuts to education, it is increasingly difficult for the district to continue to fund two pools while making cuts to programs, according to the Renton School District.

District students on swim and dive teams, including teams from nearby Kentridge High School in the Kent School District, use the pools. Many private swim clubs and community members also use the pools for swim meets, practice, lessons and leisure.

The groups pay fees to use the pools. For the past three years, Renton Pools Community has raised funds to help cover a portion of the operating costs. Even with that contribution, and fees charged to outside groups, the district continues to provide substantial financial support to operate the pools.

The district will place a bond measure before voters Feb. 14 to continue school building renovation projects throughout the district, including making renovations to the pool building at Lindbergh High School.

The district is implementing energy conservation and efficiency improvements at the pools — like those that have been successful elsewhere in the district — and pool programs are being adjusted to generate additional revenue during underutilized times.

A special Renton Civic Theater preview performance of “The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful” on Oct. 20 will benefit the “Save Renton Pools” fund.

The fund benefits the upkeep of Hazen High School’s pool, which escaped closure for the 2011-2012 school year.

The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.

The save the pools campaign came in the wake of school officials finding themselves without $60,000 needed to operate the pools at Hazen and Lindbergh high schools for the year.

The Charles Ludlam play is one of the most produced comedies in U.S. history. It is a tribute to gothic horror films, liberally stealing from well known film classics like “Wuthering Heights,” “The Mummy’s Curse” and “Rebecca.”

Attendees will also recognize dialog lifted from Henrik Ibsen, William Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe. This definitive spoof of Gothic melodramas is complete with werewolves, vampires, damsels in distress and an Egyptian mummy.

The cost is $15 per person.

Beer, wine, soft drinks and baked goods will be available for purchase. All proceeds will support the “Save Renton Pools” fund.

Learn more by emailing Lindberghpool@rentonschools.us.