Dear Friends,
For generations, St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School has been much more than a building – it has been a sacred place where we have assisted parents in forming their children to be faithful disciples of Jesus. This is a sacred trust passed down to us by those who came before, and it is now our turn to be faithful stewards of that gift.
Our school building has served our community well for 118 years, but it can no longer meet the needs of today’s students or tomorrow’s families. Together, we have an opportunity to build a Catholic school that will continue our mission in Humphrey for generations to come – a new space that is safe, welcoming, and worthy of the children we serve.
I invite you to pray with me for this effort and to consider how Jesus is asking you to help make this vision a reality. Let’s ask the Lord for the grace to step forward in courage and faith to respond to the needs of our time in the history of the Church.
Peace,
Fr. Taylor Leffler
Pastor
The Impact
This new school is not just about bricks and mortar.
It Is About:
– Strengthening Catholic education for our children
– Serving families who seek a safe, faith-filled learning environment close to home
– Enriching parish life with space for gatherings, athletics, and faith formation
– Securing the future of Catholic education in Humphrey for generations to come
This is a moment of grace for our parish and community. By working together, we can provide the facilities our children deserve and ensure the mission of Catholic education continues to flourish here at St. Francis.
We invite parishioners, alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends to prayerfully consider how you might share in this effort. Your generosity — through prayer, involvement, and support — will help us build more than a school. Together, we will build a future rooted in faith.
Images and Renderings
Click on the images below to enlarge.
Bird's Eye View
A comprehensive aerial perspective of the new campus showing the secure entry, two-story classroom building, gymnasium, and overall site layout. The design thoughtfully integrates new facilities into the existing campus while enhancing student movement, safety, and a strong sense of connection to the parish community.
Classroom
A rendering of modern classroom spaces designed for collaborative learning, flexible seating, and seamless technology integration. Faith-centered elements support both academic excellence and the spiritual formation of each student.
Library & Media Center
A vision of the new library and media center. A bright, welcoming learning hub for reading, research, and technology. This space serves as the academic and intellectual heart of the campus, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning rooted in Catholic values.
Secure Entry & Reception
An inviting and secure main entrance and reception area designed to prioritize student safety while warmly welcoming families, visitors, and parishioners into the heart of the school community.
Full-Sized Competition Gym
A spacious, full-sized gymnasium designed to host athletic events, school activities, and community gatherings. Complete with new locker rooms, this space supports physical development, teamwork, and school spirit.
Commons Area
The central commons space envisioned as a flexible gathering area for assemblies, informal learning, and community engagement. Fostering connection, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging among students, staff, and families.
First Floor Plan
Architectural floor plan of the first level of the new school, featuring classrooms, the new gymnasium, locker rooms, weight room, media center, commons areas, and administrative offices. Designed to support daily learning, safety, and efficient operations.
Second Floor Plan
Second-floor layout illustrating additional classrooms that support focused learning in a secure, adaptable, and student-centered educational environment.
Site Diagram
A detailed site diagram depicting the relationship between the new school facilities and the church. Highlighting outdoor spaces, parking, and movement patterns, the design strengthens safety, connectivity, and the unified mission of parish and school.
Capital Campaign Prayer
Jesus, Prince of Peace, you commanded those who believe in you to go and make disciples, baptizing and teaching them. In obedience to your commandments, we humbly ask you to bless our labors to build a new St. Francis Elementary School. United in faith, with you and with one another, give us the grace and generosity to build for generations of future disciples. You live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
Campaign Leadership
Co-Chairs
Deb Herchenbach
Bryan Reichmuth
Tim Werner
Campaign Committee
Alan Anderson
Ken Classen
Dave Krings
Bruce Pfeifer
Andy Reigle
Cara Wieser
Honorary Clergy
Rev. Tom Bauwens
Rev. Steve Emanuel
Rev. Matt Gutowski
Rev. Norman Hunke
Rev. Patrick McLaughlin
Rev. Eric Olsen
Rev. Wayne Pavela
Rev. Stanley Schmit
Rev. Dan Wittrock
Honorary Friends of the Campaign
Ken and Mary Jane Backes
Dave and Vickie Classen
Ann Denkinger
Joan Duesman
Dan and Ginny Fehringer
Mary Helen Fuchs
Corrine Haiar
Alice Labenz
Jerry and Jane Sanders
Junior and Helen Weidner
Stan and Sandy Wemhoff
Karen Werner
Mary Catherine Wieser
Bob Zach
Invest in the Future of St. Francis: Support the Mission
Ways to Give
“Support the St. Francis Campaign and help build a lasting legacy for our students and families.”
- Cash, Check, or Bank Transfer
- 5-Year Pledge Period (to make that once-in-a-lifetime gift)
- Stocks and other securities
- IRA/RMD
- Gifts of Grain
- And more…
Recognition
We gratefully recognize every donor’s commitment.
| Type/Size |
Gift Level |
| Donor Wall Recognition | $25,000+ |
| Courtyard Paver 12″ x 12″ | $15,000 – $24,999 |
| Courtyard Paver 8″ x 8″ | $10,000 – $14,999 |
| Courtyard Paver 4″ x 8″ | $5,000 – $9,999 |
- All gifts will be recognized through print and media
- Gifts can remain anonymous, if requested
Naming Opportunities
Leave a permanent mark on the future of St. Francis.
| Facility/Area |
Gift Level |
| Elementary School Building Name | $5,000,000 |
| Competition Gymnasium Name | $5,000,000 |
| Competition Gym Court Floor | $1,000,000 |
| Student Commons | $1,000,000 |
| Campus Courtyard | $1,000,000 |
| Flyers Heritage Wall | $1,000,000 |
| Library & Media Center | $750,000 |
| Weight Room | $500,000 |
| Scoreboards – Includes two (2) scoreboards | $500,000 |
| Gym Lobby / Concessions | $250,000 |
| Men’s Locker Room | $250,000 |
| Women’s Locker Room | $250,000 |
| Elementary Classrooms (11 Total – 5 Claimed!) | $250,000/ea. |
| Administration Office Suite | $250,000 |
Campaign Progress
Goal $25,000,000
- 68%
Frequently Asked Questions
As preparations and planning continue, more information will be available and shared. For additional questions, please contact our campaign committee directly for more specifics and information.
PROJECT PURPOSE & OWNERSHIP
What is the goal of this capital campaign?
The campaign funds a new elementary school and supporting facilities that address safety, space, and long-term educational needs for St. Francis. The total fundraising goal is $25 million.
Who will own the new elementary school building?
St. Francis Parish owns the entire campus and all new construction.
Is this primarily an elementary school project or a high school upgrade?
This is primarily an elementary school project. Some high school space will be repurposed as a result, but the focus is meeting elementary needs.
Why not renovate the existing elementary school instead?
Renovating and bringing the current building up to code would cost approximately $12.4 million, displace students during construction, and still not meet long-term needs.
Did you consider other building options, such as switching elementary and high school spaces?
Yes. That option was studied, but the cost and scope of renovation required made it less practical than building new.
LONG-TERM SCHOOL STABILITY
What assurance is there that St. Francis Elementary will remain open long-term?
The Archdiocese has no plans, now or in the future, to change the structure or presence of St. Francis Elementary.
Could the Archdiocese close or repurpose the school in the future?
There are no current plans to do so. Parish ownership of the campus provides long-term stability.
What protections exist to safeguard parish investment?
Funds are restricted for this project, parish ownership remains local, and long-term planning includes responsible maintenance and stewardship.
DESIGN, CLASSROOMS & STUDENT SUPPORT
What will classroom sizes and student capacity look like?
Classrooms are designed to meet current enrollment needs while allowing flexibility for future growth.
How will the new building support students with special learning needs?
The design includes accessible spaces and flexible learning environments to better support students with diverse needs.
How will the building meet ADA and accessibility standards?
The new school will fully meet modern ADA and wheelchair-accessibility requirements.
How will the library/media center improve learning?
It will serve as a modern learning hub supporting technology, collaboration, and research.
GYM & ATHLETIC FACILITIES
Why is a gym included in this project?
Future plans for the current elementary school and gym include demolition. The old gym is heavily used for many activities and replacing it ensures continuity for students and programs.
Is the gym a “need” or a “want”?
It is a need. Current scheduling conflicts and program demands require adequate gym space.
How much of the project cost is for the gym versus the school?
A detailed cost breakdown will be shared, showing how funds are allocated between the school and gym.
Can the gym be delayed or built later?
Separating the gym would increase costs and disrupt programming. Including it now is the most efficient approach.
Will there be space for wrestling?
There is no dedicated wrestling space in this phase, but teams will have access to existing gym facilities. A future phase may address this need.
CAMPUS, FIELDS & PARKING
Will we lose playgrounds or practice fields?
No. Some spaces may be reconfigured, but adequate playground and practice space will remain.
Has parking been considered in this project?
Yes, parking plans include staff, student, and event needs and will improve traffic flow.
How will drop-off and pick-up be handled?
The new layout is designed to improve safety and efficiency during peak drop-off and pick-up times.
CONSTRUCTION & TRANSITION
Where will students attend class during construction?
Students will remain in the existing elementary building during construction.
How will construction impact school operations?
Construction will be carefully phased to minimize disruption to learning and daily activities.
What happens to the old elementary school building?
The old elementary building will stay until the parish can cover the cost of demolition, which could be a phase 2.
What was the bidding process for the project?
St. Francis issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to eight construction firms. The building steering committee reviewed the proposals and interviewed four of the responding firms. Ultimately Boyd Jones Construction was chosen to partner with us on this project.
Will local contractors have the opportunity to bid on subcontractor work for the project?
Yes, local contractors will have the opportunity to bid on various portions of the project.
COST, BUDGET & TRANSPARENCY
Why has the project cost increased from earlier estimates?
Costs reflect updated construction pricing and refined design details.
Can the project be scaled back to reduce costs?
The design already reflects careful cost control while meeting essential needs.
Why not build a simpler or single-level school?
Multi-level design allows better land use, preserves outdoor space, and supports long-term flexibility.
Will a detailed budget be shared?
Yes. Transparency is a priority, and financial details will be communicated.
Is this cost realistic for a small community?
Yes. The campaign goal reflects careful planning, early donor support, and responsible stewardship.
FUNDING & DONATIONS
Are donations subject to Archdiocesan tax?
No. Donations designated for the building project are not subject to Archdiocesan tax.
Can endowment funds be used for construction?
No. Endowments cannot be liquidated, and their earnings support annual operating needs.
Will the Archdiocese contribute financially?
The Archdiocese supports the project through approvals and guidance. There are no plans for direct financial support at this point.
Will surrounding communities or feeder parishes contribute?
Support is welcomed from all who value Catholic education.
What happens if fundraising falls short or the project doesn’t move forward?
Based on strong early commitments, leadership is confident the project will proceed.
TUITION, PARISH LIFE & TIMING
How will this project affect tuition and parish offertory?
The goal is to strengthen the school while maintaining affordability and parish stability.
Is now the right time economically for families and farmers?
Timing was carefully considered, balancing facility needs with sensitivity to the local economy.
How does the public school bond impact this campaign?
The bond and this campaign are separate decisions with different purposes.
LEADERSHIP & DECISION-MAKING
Who is overseeing and making decisions for the project?
Fr. Taylor is the overseer of this project, with support from a steering committee, parish leadership, and professional advisors.
How are parishioner voices being included?
Feedback has been gathered through a professional feasibility study, parish meetings, conversations, and continued communication.
How will long-term maintenance be funded?
Maintenance planning is part of the overall financial strategy to protect this investment.
Inquire
Have questions about making a gift or naming opportunities? Complete the form below and one of our campaign leaders will contact you.