Hamilton Community Schools has reached an agreement to purchase the Hamilton Christian Reformed Church property, which will serve as the future home of the growing Hamilton Virtual School beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.
After the congregation of Hamilton Christian Reformed Church approved the sale with a 36–6 vote on October 5th, the Hamilton Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the purchase of the church building, parsonage, and land with totals approximately 2.9 acres for $500,000 at their October meeting.
The district will use general fund dollars for the purchase and allocate 2023 bond funds for necessary renovations and upgrades. Under the agreement, Hamilton Christian Reformed Church will continue to operate in the upper portion of the building through a lease-back arrangement and will still hold services on Sundays. Hamilton Virtual School will occupy the lower level, which will be remodeled to create flexible, modern learning spaces designed to meet the needs of online and hybrid learners.
Construction and renovation work is expected to begin in early 2026, with the goal of opening the Virtual School’s new home for the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Brad Lusk shared that this purchase is the result of extensive planning and exploration.
“Since the repurposing of Sandyview Learning Center, the rapid enrollment growth of both the Virtual School and Early Childhood Center has exceeded expectations,” said Lusk. “We’ve explored multiple options—from building additions to other property purchases—and this opportunity provides the most cost-effective and efficient long-term solution for our district.”
By relocating the Virtual School, HCS will also be able to expand its Early Childhood Center (ECC) programming within Sandyview Learning Center, allowing for additional preschool opportunities and community-based programs.
"When I got here, we had two half-filled classrooms," Lusk said of Hawkeye Preschool, housed at Sandyview Learning Center. “Now, we’re up to four and had a waitlist for a fifth. We couldn’t run the fifth because we didn’t have a room."
After weeks of discussions and collaboration with the Hamilton Christian Reformed Church and its congregation, Dr. Brad Lusk expressed his appreciation for the partnership that made this agreement possible.
“This purchase reflects our district’s commitment to innovative programming and community partnership," added Lusk. "It also highlights the generosity and collaboration of Hamilton Christian Reformed Church, whose support makes this expansion possible. It’s truly a win-win for our students and our community.”
Stay tuned for more on this partnership in the weeks to come.
