Mennonite Collegiate Institute Shuts Down Amidst Challenges

In a heart-wrenching announcement, the Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI) in Gretna has decided to pause its operations, effective at the end of June. After grappling with financial challenges and declining enrollment, the Board of Directors faced a decision that has left many parents scrambling for alternative schooling options.

A Tough Situation for Families and Staff

Kris Harms, the CEO of MCI, expressed regret over the timing of the announcement, which came as a shock to many. "It's unfortunate for families to learn in mid-June that their children may not have a school for the upcoming fall," he lamented, emphasizing the difficulties both students and staff now face in finding new positions in the educational landscape.

Financial Struggles and Fading Support

Despite extensive efforts over several months to keep the school afloat, the harsh reality became evident: MCI could not sustain its operations under the current format. Harms explained, "Running a school is expensive, and while we've aimed to maintain reasonable tuition, rising costs mean we rely heavily on donations to stay afloat."

Adding to the challenges is the aging demographic of supporting churches, which have seen declining numbers and fewer children to enroll. This year, MCI faced a particularly stark reality with only 45 students registered.

The Importance of Rebuilding Relationships

Looking ahead, Harms stressed the need to rekindle relationships with supportive churches and community groups. "We need a stronger base of students to operate effectively," he argued, pointing out that many conversations with various churches are ongoing, aiming to create a renewed interest in the school.

The Weight of Uncertainty

The decision to pause operations has resulted in the termination of contracts for teachers, and programming for the upcoming academic year has been suspended. Harms noted the emotional toll this news has taken on long-serving staff members, as well as on students, especially those poised to graduate.

"For seniors expecting to complete their high school journey, this uncertainty can lead to profound disappointment and anxiety about the future," Harms concluded. As the community processes this difficult transition, MCI's future remains uncertain, leaving a profound void in the lives of its students and staff.