Chicago Mennonite Learning Center suspends operation
by Anna GroffPrint Article Email to a Friend
PITTSBURGH—On Jan. 19, the Chicago Mennonite Learning Center (CMLC) board of directors decided to suspend operation of the school for the school year September 2008-June 2009.
The board will discern the future mission and ministry of CMLC and consult with metropolitan Chicago Mennonite church, Mennonite conferences and other stakeholders as well as use consultation services of Mennonite Education Agency.
“We believe God will lead us into a new thing,” says Sueann VonGunten, board president.
Current issues facing the school include financial difficulties (two-thirds of CMCL’s budget must be fund-raised); Chicago public schools’ improved education and CMLC’s tuition increase, causing a loss of CMLC students and a changing CMLC neighborhood.
“Staff is having success academically and changing students’ lives,” says VonGunten. “We will continue to have financial needs for the rest of this school year. We are operating within budget but are carrying a $109,071 loan from past deficits.”
“It’s not that our donors have stopped giving, but it hasn’t increased with the expenses and cost of living,” she adds.—Anna Groff
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I started at this school in 1st grade and graduated from it in 8th. I was very sad to see it close. I was the second to last class to graduate. I always hoped that my little brother Michael, who is now 5 years old. Would get the amazing opportunity to attend such an institution where great values are instilled and life friends are made. It has been 4 years since I've graduated and I am now off to college. If I did not attend CMLC I would be nowhere near where I am today, with the tremendous experiences and achievements that I accomplished. Andrew Jesus Vega [andrew@andrewjesusvega.com]