Lutheran High School Needs To Raise $150K To Keep Doors Open

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – The clock is ticking for a local Lutheran high school that is trying to raise $150,000 over the next week to avoid closing for good. Teachers, students and parents at Faith Lutheran High School, 174 S. McHenry Avenue in Crystal Lake, learned in recent days the school would not open for the upcoming school year unless the funds are raised by July 31. A Board of Delegates, which are members selected from each of the congregations affiliated with the high school in area communities, will vote on Aug. 2 on whether to close the local high school.

The funds raised would allow the school to stay open for one more year, according to a GoFundMe page set up to drum up support for the school and bring in the cash needed to keep it open.

"Being open at least one more year would greatly benefit everyone here. It gives us a chance to re-evaluate how we run the building, so that we come even closer together and cut expenses," according to the GoFundMe page. "We can reach out to our feeder schools and build stronger relationships over the year to strengthen our incoming classes. It allows our teachers to continue doing the job they love, in the place they have made their home. It gives the current students the comfort knowing they can be with their family one more year."

As of July 24, over $4,800 of the $150,000 has been raised–just five days after the GoFundMe page went live. In an update posted on the page on July 21, Kerri Sippel wrote, "Looks like news from the grapevine is that we are about a third of the way there through all the resources, generous donors, prayers, and love we have received."

School officials told the Northwest Herald the school has faced several years of declining enrollment as well as a sharp decline in its international student enrollment. Due to the drop funds from tuition fees as well as the debt the school took on to "acquire our building and fund operations," the school board made the recommendation in recent weeks to close the school, according to the article.

Families at Faith Lutheran were asked to speak at their churches over the past weekend to try and drum up more support, according to a letter to families, students and teachers posted on the school's website. Member churches include: St. John’s in Algonquin, Holy Cross in Cary, Prince of Peace in Crystal Lake, Immanuel in Crystal Lake, St. Peter in Gilberts, St. Paul in Harvard, Trinity in Huntley, St. John in Island Lake, Zion in Marengo, Fellowship of Faith in McHenry, Zion in McHenry, St. John's in Union and St. John's in Woodstock.

The closure, if approved on Aug. 2, would take effect immediately. If the board of directors votes to close the "remaining balance refunded as quickly as funds allow," according to the letter from the school to its students and their parents.

Tuition rates at Faith Lutheran range from $6,750 and $7,850 per year if paid in full by Aug. 1.

Those interested in donating can do so on the GoFundMe page.

Photo via GoFundMe