LAMPLIGHTER
Fall 2016
Long Range Planning: Growth and Blessings by Kristi Meyer Since St. John’s new school building opened in 2003, God has continued to bless this aspect of our ministry. In 2004, school enrollment was 177 students. This past school year, enrollment was 280 students with childcare also serving approximately 90 students per day. To address the facility needs dictated by these increased numbers, the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) has been re-formed.
capacity. “The congregation has chosen to accept growth [instead of capping school enrollment] based on recent voters’ meetings and open forums,” said LRPC chair Jon Johnson, “and we are quickly outgrowing our existing school facilities.” One room has been repurposed to serve as a classroom for the 2016-17 school year, and one more room is potentially available for repurposing. “After that, we’re out of space,” said Pastor Leyrer.
The LRPC began studying the facility needs of St. John’s in September 2014. At that time, the committee identified and prioritized three potential phases of expansion: church narthex and offices, parking, and school. Since then, school expansion has emerged as the highest priority of the LRPC. “The Lord is especially blessing us in the area of school growth, and we’re following that lead,” said Pastor Joel Leyrer. “If there’s only one area that we can address, what has emerged pretty clearly is school expansion.”
During the summer, the LRPC met to discuss facility needs and to develop potential options for building or remodeling to accommodate those needs. The committee identified the number of classrooms needed to accommodate growth. They also brainstormed on various types of space and facilities needed. Possible expansion options were discussed and evaluated. Committee members include: Jon Johnson (chair), Dan Ebeling, Phil Hansen, Dana Leyrer, Kristi Meyer, Christine Rindfleisch, and Dan Schmal. Scott Uecker (school principal), Kelly Johnson (childcare director), Bill Dittman (executive board president), and Pastors Leyrer, Schroeder, and Bitter serve as advisory members.
With the addition of a combined first/second grade classroom this year, the school facility is approaching
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