Humphrey parish plans new school, continuing legacy

St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Humphrey plans to build a new elementary school, replacing its 118-year-old building and equipping the parish community for future generations of Catholic education.  

Plans for the new two-story elementary school include a new student activity center, secured front entrance and other modernized amenities.  

The first school at the Humphrey parish offered seven grades and was built in 1884. Today St. Francis Elementary serves 179 students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, and its Little Saints Daycare is at capacity with a waiting list.

A $25 million capital campaign is underway to cover costs, with less than $8 million left to raise.

For Humphey St. Francis leaders, the campaign is about more than buildings.

 “This campaign is about ensuring that the mission of St. Francis continues to thrive for generations to come,” said Father Taylor Leffler, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and parishes in Clarkson, Leigh, Lindsay and Tarnov.

 “We are deeply grateful for the legacy that has been handed to us,” he said, “and we believe we have a responsibility to build upon that foundation with faith and generosity. This is about creating spaces where children can learn, families can grow, and our parish community can continue to flourish in Christ.”

“St. Francis has blessed my family across five generations,” said campaign co-chair Deb Herchenbach. “To help ensure that Catholic education continues to thrive here for future generations is both meaningful and deeply personal to me.”

“My grandchildren are students here, and that makes this campaign especially meaningful to me,” added Tim Werner, who also is co-chairing the campaign. “What we build now will help shape the faith and education of students for years to come.”

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