By Dr. Jamie Luehring, President of Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
At Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School (KMLHS), our mission is to guide students toward success that’s not just academic, but spiritual and personal.
We’re preparing young adults for whatever path God has laid before them—whether it’s college, the military, an apprenticeship, or entering the workforce. This purpose requires more than just a curriculum—it requires a culture, leadership, and facilities that support growth.
That’s where Catalyst Construction comes in.
A Proven Partnership: From HOPE Schools to KMLHS
My relationship with Catalyst actually began before my time at KMLHS. I first met Matt Burrow, Catalyst’s founder, while I was leading improvement work at HOPE Christian Schools in Milwaukee. At the time, we were experiencing rapid growth and needed to double the size of our school within a single year.
Catalyst made that possible by renovating and expanding our existing facility, transforming a warehouse into a fully functioning school in record time. Even back then, Matt was on-site, hands-on, and deeply committed. That early partnership stuck with me because it was never just about bricks and beams—it was about students and stewardship.
When I accepted the call to serve as principal (and eventually president) at KMLHS, Catalyst had just wrapped up work on our Performing Arts Center.
Expanding Our Campus with Purpose
Since then, we’ve worked with them on a state-of-the-art Science & Innovation Wing and a transformative 55,000-square-foot expansion featuring a new gym, fitness center, classrooms, and atrium.
This latest $14 million project is our largest yet, and once again, Catalyst has been more than a builder. They’ve been a trusted guide and advocate.
The Catalyst Difference
What sets Catalyst apart is their values. They don’t wear a Christian label, but their actions reflect deep humility, honesty, and care—qualities that align with our own.
Whether we’ve hit architectural hiccups or major structural roadblocks (like a last-minute redesign on our roof), Catalyst shows up ready to roll up their sleeves, tackle challenges head-on, and share the responsibility.
Their team consistently keeps our mission at the forefront of every decision.
Commitment Beyond Construction
We’ve seen subcontractors work through the night to meet critical deadlines and watched Catalyst thoughtfully adjust construction schedules to accommodate major school events like graduation.
Throughout every phase, their communication has been constant and clear because they understand that while construction is happening, education can’t pause.
Building Spaces That Serve and Inspire
The impact of our projects has been profound.
The Performing Arts Center has become a daily home for chapel, a showcase for student drama and music, and a gathering place for the community.
Parents have told me they chose KML because of that building and stayed because of everything else we offer.
Our facilities are now used by local symphonies, church groups, grade schools, and even Special Olympics programs. These spaces serve the community, which is their primary purpose.
Growth Anchored in Purpose
Successful projects don’t happen by chance. They require strong internal leadership, alignment with the mission, and a clear sense of purpose.
We’ve grown from 383 to over 635 students, not just because of new square footage but also because we’ve remained unified in our reasons for building. We don’t chase trends.
We steward resources.
We prioritize what our students and faculty truly need.
Catalyst: A Trusted Ally in Our Ministry
I’ve worked with other construction partners over the years, but Catalyst continues to rise to the top. They care about outcomes. They care about people. And they’ve made every effort to help us do what we do better.
If you’re a school or church considering a project, my advice is this: Make sure you’re:
- Mission-aligned
- Structurally sound as an organization
- Partnered with people who see your vision.
For us, that partner is Catalyst.
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