Over four years ago, Lancaster Mennonite (LM) and Hershey Christian entered into negotiations and a planning process for Lancaster Mennonite to acquire Hershey Christian. Hershey enrollment has been tenuous since the acquisition. After four years of operation, the Lancaster Mennonite Board of Directors, Finance Committee and Administration determined sustainability of the Hershey campus of Lancaster Mennonite is no longer viable due to enrollment decline.
Lancaster Mennonite has experienced enrollment decline for over 10 years and is in the process of creating a sustainable financial model for the future. LM will be transitioning 2 campuses; Kraybill will operate independently July 1, 2019 and Hershey will close at the end of the 2018-19 school year; and reducing of staff at other campuses. This consolidation effort reduces the amount of square footage maintained compared to student enrollment numbers.
"We acknowledge the positive influence and history of Hershey Christian and LM in the lives of alumni and current students," said Pam Tieszen, LM Superintendent. She continues, "Dedicated teachers and staff prepared students and gave a gift that will continue to live on. Lives have been shaped and transformed."
The sustainable model for the future includes a healthy endowment that creates a solid foundation for New Danville (ND), Locust Grove (LG), Lancaster Mennonite Middle School (LMMS), and Lancaster Mennonite High School (LMH). Current cash endowment is $9 million with an additional $3 million in non-school properties. Endowment reserves remain strong and in place preserving ND, LG, LMMS and LMH campuses. Each campus is moving toward a stronger independent financial health position, yet remaining part of the larger LM system.
"Lancaster Mennonite maintains a strong academic and faith development program, an expectation embedded in the history of the school. The board of directors and administration are using the financial restructure as an opportunity to envision a new future with a strong core. We look with optimism at the many bright spots at LM!" said Tieszen.
LM is implementing a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) focus system wide. On the elementary level, MakerSpaces are part of ND, and will be part of the LG campus curriculums in the 2019-20 academic year. MakerSpaces provide students the opportunity to solve real world problems with 21st century skills, demonstrating critical thinking, collaboration and creativity.
The Lancaster Mennonite Middle School (LMMSConnect!) offers a project-based learning (PBL) curriculum model that also engages 7th and 8th graders with 4 core themes each year. Again, this model solves current day issues with a 21st century skill set. The PBL model is in its 3rd year of operation and students transition into LMH with a new mind set on how to approach more advanced high school curriculum.
Change is uncomfortable, but the gift of change is the ability to create and envision new programming and a new future for the LM system. This fall began to yield green shoots, significant donations for renovations and student aid, MakerSpaces, Fine Arts and STEAM programing in the midst of transitions. In Jeremiah 18:1-6 we are reminded that we are clay in the Potter's hands and that God makes all things new according to His will. We ask that you to uphold especially the Hershey community in this time of change and transition.
Please pray!
- For the Hershey faculty and staff, and that doors will open for job opportunities. And peace in this time of change and transition.
- For Hershey Families who will need to consider other options for their children.
- LM system and significant changes. We continue to pray for strong, positive enrollment!
FAQ'S:
Q: Was there anything else LM could have done to keep the school open?
A: LM Exhausted all reasonable options for continuing Hershey over the past years, and could not continue to keep it open sustainably.
Q: Are the other LM campuses going to be impacted? What does the future look like?
A: The board of directors and administration are using the financial restructure as an opportunity to envision a new future with a strong core. Our goal is to bring financial and enrollment stability to the remaining campuses. The campus transitions of Kraybill and Hershey, and reduction of staff at the other campuses will help stabilize the financial future of Locust Grove, New Danville, and Lancaster campuses, and reduce endowment withdrawals to balance the budget. Each campus is moving towards stronger, self-sustaining operations.
Q: How are faculty and staff being supported?
A: There will be counseling services on hand. Salaries will be paid out through the school year and benefits are being sorted out. They will be able to get on COBRA. In addition, 100% of the funds raised from their annual auction will go to faculty and staff.
Q: Will Hershey faculty/staff be able to apply for jobs in the LM system?
A: Yes, Hershey faculty and staff will be invited to apply for any open positions within the system.
Q: Are there are opportunities to retain/transfer Hershey students to the other LM campuses?
A: Yes, we have set dates for parents and students to visit the Locust Grove PreK-8 grades and Lancaster 6-12 grades campuses. We are providing free busing for the first year, and waiving/refunding the re-enrollment fee to those that transfer.
Q: If we have more questions, who should we direct them to?
A: General questions or concerns, you can direct them to your Principal or the Superintendent, Pam Tieszen email: tieszenpk@lancastermennonite.org or phone: (717) 740-2422. 
