Harvest Bible Chapel wants to begin a Saturday evening worship service at Dixon Elementary School, 2400 Pilgrim Square Drive, Brookfield.
Renting public school space to a faith-based organization is not unusual, but would require School Board approval, said Keith Brightman, Elmbrook assistant superintendent for finance and operations.
"While this type of facility rental is not common in Elmbrook, many other districts have similar facility rentals for weekend religious services," Brightman wrote in a memo.
Elmbrook policy requires any facility rental by political or religious groups be approved by the School Board. Board members are expected to discuss the request during their next regular meeting at Elmbrook Central Administrative Offices, 13780 Hope St., Brookfield, at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Lawsuit still pending
Harvest Bible's request comes even as Elmbrook waits for a pending federal court decision about the district's past use of Elmbrook Church as a venue for Brookfield high school graduations.
In April, Washington D.C.-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed a lawsuit against the district on behalf of several unnamed plaintiffs. The group alleged that a public ceremony held at a religious venue represents an unconstitutional violation of the separation of church and state.
Americans United sought a preliminary injunction in June to stop this year's ceremonies from proceeding as planned, but U.S. District Judge Charles Clevert denied the request.
Clevert has yet to issue his final decision on the case, but attorneys representing both sides have said they expect an appeal.
If the School Board approves Harvest Bible's request, Brightman said the rental agreement would continue as long as the church pays its rent and the building use does not interfere with regular school operations, or result in damage or excessive wear. The church will be required to submit proof of insurance.
Facility rental fees are expected to exceed $30,000 per year. That amount includes the cost of having a custodian on site for the entire time of use.
In addition, the church has agreed to perform any snow removal needed for the services.
Started in Chicago
According to the church's Web site, Harvest Bible is a non-denominational church that has grown significantly since its 1988 founding in the Chicago suburbs. Today, the church has expanded to 35 campuses worldwide, including one that has met at the Oak Creek Community Center since September 2007.
The Web site explains that the church is eyeing up Brookfield because a large number of residents listen to the daily "Walk in the Word" radio program made by Harvest Bible's founder, James MacDonald.
"Harvest Bible Fellowship has seen success launching services where the radio ministry 'Walk in the Word' has a larger influence," the site says. "Currently, the Brookfield-Waukesha area has one of the largest concentrations of 'Walk in the Word' listeners in the Milwaukee area."
For more information about Tuesday's School Board meeting, visit elmbrookschools.org. For more information about Harvest Bible Chapel, visit harvestmilwaukee-south.org.
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