Monroe County, Indiana – The Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) marked a major milestone on Monday, August 25, with the official opening of a brand-new soccer field at Bloomington High School South (BHSS). The ribbon cutting ceremony, held just before the Varsity Girls Soccer match, drew school leaders, community members, and students together to celebrate an investment that district officials say will benefit generations of athletes and learners.
The project is part of MCCSC’s larger initiative, Designing & Building to Sustain Excellence, which focuses on strengthening school facilities across the district. By financing the improvements through bonds, district leaders say they are able to provide state-of-the-art spaces for students while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
For Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston, the occasion was about more than cutting a ribbon. It was about fulfilling a promise. “One of my top priorities has been ensuring our students have access to state-of-the-art academic, athletic, and performing arts facilities,” Winston said. “Today is a proud moment for us to be able to open this new field. It is more than an athletic facility — it’s an investment in our students’ well-being and growth. I am deeply grateful to the Board of School Trustees and the public for their support of this project, and for sharing my commitment and vision to sustain excellence in our school facilities.”
The newly completed field features artificial turf, offering a modern and durable playing surface that will serve both boys’ and girls’ soccer programs. Beyond athletic competition, it will also be used for physical education classes and extracurricular activities, expanding access to high-quality facilities for the entire student body.
Funding for the field came through bonds, a tool often used by school districts to manage large facility projects. MCCSC emphasized that the bond repayment comes from the Debt Service Fund, which is legally restricted to cover long-term obligations and cannot be used for teacher salaries or staffing costs. By using this approach, the district ensures that investments in facilities do not disrupt the operations fund, which covers wages and day-to-day school expenses. “This project demonstrates our responsible stewardship of public resources while investing in the facilities that will benefit current and future generations of students,” Winston added.
The event included remarks from a range of school and community leaders who highlighted the significance of the project. Speakers included BHSS Principal Mark Fletcher, BHSS Assistant Athletic Director Larry Winters, Superintendent Winston, Director of Construction and Facilities Sam Fleener, BHSS Girls Soccer Coach David Prall, and Board of School Trustees Vice President Erin Cooperman.
Cooperman underscored how the new field reflects MCCSC’s broader commitment to the whole student experience. “One of the things that makes me so proud to represent MCCSC is that we don’t just focus on test scores,” she said. “We focus on the whole student, and that means taking care of our students’ emotional health, mental health, physical health, and creating places where they can play.”
The celebration also carried special meaning for athletes and coaches who have long awaited facility upgrades. BHSS Girls Soccer Coach David Prall noted that the new field provides his players with a reliable space to train and compete, one that will help them develop not only as athletes but also as individuals working toward shared goals.
For students, the improvements go beyond athletics. A well-maintained, safe, and accessible field encourages teamwork, physical fitness, and pride in their school. The artificial turf ensures the field can withstand heavy use and varying weather conditions, reducing interruptions to practices and games and providing more consistent opportunities for students.
The investment is part of a broader, ongoing effort by MCCSC to ensure that all schools have facilities that match the high standards of its academic programs. Through the Designing & Building to Sustain Excellence initiative, the district plans to continue upgrading learning spaces, performance venues, and athletic fields across Monroe County.
Monday’s ribbon cutting, while celebratory, was also a symbol of MCCSC’s philosophy of long-term planning. By aligning financial strategy with facility improvements, the district is working to create spaces that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate future growth.
As the first game on the new turf got underway, the excitement among students and families reflected the deeper value of the project. It was not just about soccer—it was about opportunity, community, and commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom.
With the field now open, the message from MCCSC leadership was clear: this is only the beginning. Facility improvements will continue across the district, all part of an ongoing investment in students’ education, health, and personal development.
