Jefferson City I.C. parish sets forth a vision to build a new school
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“Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do, or do without.”
The people of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jefferson City have been following that axiom since long before the parish’s current school buildings were built.
The mission has been deemed a resounding success.
The parish on Oct. 6 set forth its “Visioning IC” initiative to modernize and enhance its campus, making its facilities safer and more accessible for future generations.
Plans call for a new, state-of-the-art school to be built on property near the current school site.
They will replace outdated buildings that have been lovingly worn to the bone.
Iconic Immaculate Conception Church, dedicated in 1923, will remain the crown jewel of the property, with an eventual addition creating better access and a large gathering space.
Nearby Pleus Hall, built in 1913 as the original church, will be renovated.
Bishop W. Shawn McKnight lauded the work of the parish’s Visioning Committee in objectively assessing the parish’s evolving needs and offering three options for doing the work in phases.
He also pledged an investment of $2.5 million in diocesan funds toward bringing the vision into reality.
“Immaculate Conception stands at a pivotal moment,” he stated in a Sept. 27 letter to parishioners, “as the parish embarks on a comprehensive plan to modernize and enhance its campus — strengthening the parish as a welcoming, safe, and accessible environment for our community today, and for generations to come.”
The bishop said the $2.5 million gift “manifests the generosity of the faithful throughout the diocese, who are living out their call to be sacrificial stewards of God’s blessings.”
Safety and efficiency
The comprehensive development plan began after I.C. School completed its required five-year self-study process last year.
“We excelled in all areas,” noted Principal Heather Schrimpf — including a great faculty, strong parish support, solid curriculum, climate and instruction, and sound finances.
But the buildings themselves had noticeably begun to show wear and tear.
“We’re investing a lot of money in those buildings to keep them running and functional,” Mrs. Schrimpf, herself an I.C. graduate, noted in an information video to parishioners.
Having students in three separate buildings in a busy part of the city also presents safety concerns, along with a loss of instruction time due to the time it takes to move from one building to the other, she said.
In 2021, under the leadership of Father Matthew Flatley, the pastor, the parish conducted a comprehensive evaluation of accessibility and safety of the facilities for all parishioners, students, faculty and visitors.
A committee made up of knowledgeable, dedicated parishioners, outlined a vision to create a space that reflects the parish’s commitment to faith and community.
The plan addresses several areas of concern, including enhanced access to the church, better organization of the rectory and church administration for efficient parish operations, and upgraded school facilities that prioritize safety, accessibility, and modern educational needs.
Three options
Deacon Kenneth Wildhaber, an I.C. School graduate, lifelong parishioner, Visioning Committee member and former maintenance supervisor for the parish, said nearly all of the good has been wrung out of the school buildings that past generations sacrificed to build.
“They can be maintained, but it’s costing more and more each year to keep these buildings to the level that we really need,” he said in the video.
He’s convinced it’s time to invest in a building that works better and meets current codes for the safety of the children, teachers and staff.
“They deserve the best facility that we can give them, to be able to do their job right, to be able to show our children what it means to live Christ-like,” he stated.
The proposed development plan includes three options for a new school building, each designed to accommodate the growing needs of the parish community, along with estimated costs:
- Option 1 — Phase 1 — $14.7 million
Construct an entirely new 39,000-square-foot school building which would include: two classrooms per grade for kindergarten through eight, administration offices, two counselor offices, four resource rooms, a mechanical room and a media center.
- Option 2 — Phases 1 and 2 Combined — $21.1 million
Construct an entirely new 51,000-square-foot school building which would include: two classrooms per grade for kindergarten through eight, administration offices, two counselor offices, four resource rooms, a commons area, kitchen, concessions, a mechanical room, a larger media center, and a temporary after-school care room.
- Option 3 — Phases 1, 2 and 3 Combined - $31.5 million
Construct an entirely new 81,000-square-foot school building which would include: two classrooms per grade for kindergarten through eight, administration offices, two counselor offices, four resource rooms, a commons area, kitchen, concessions, a mechanical room, a larger media center, five pre-school classrooms, a new gymnasium with a stage and archery platform, a permanent after-school care room, and classrooms for music, band and art.
The development will be carried out in phases, allowing for minimal disruption to existing activities.
Momentum
Father Flatley expressed amazement at the people of Immaculate Conception Parish and their commitment to growing in discipleship and helping their children do likewise.
“These people are golden,” he said. “We have a daunting task ahead of us. ... But, if anyone can do it, these folks at I.C. will.”
“Momentum is building,” Bishop McKnight wrote to parishioners. “With your prayers and support, and guided by the Holy Spirit, we will soon share the experience of opening a new school for the children of this historic, beloved parish.”
For information and to make a pledge to the campaign, visit visioningic.com.
