Brown County Schools is committed to being transparent about the athletic facility renovation project. We understand that community members have questions, and we welcome them. This page provides answers to many of the questions we have received. As additional questions arise, we will continue to update this resource with accurate information.
The Brown County Schools Board of School Trustees has a responsibility to provide safe, well-maintained facilities for students, staff, and the community. Like every school building, playground, bus, or athletic facility, these public assets require ongoing maintenance and periodic improvements.
The athletic complex had reached a point where significant infrastructure improvements were necessary to address long-standing drainage issues, improve safety, and preserve the facility for future generations. The previous field experienced ongoing drainage problems, uneven playing conditions, and was located within a floodplain, making it increasingly difficult and costly to maintain.
This facility serves far more than just the football program. It supports:
The project also includes:
This is a district and community facility, not simply a football field.
The district carefully evaluated both natural grass and artificial turf before making its decision.
Artificial turf offers several long-term advantages:
When the turf reaches the end of its useful life (typically 10–15 years), only the playing surface will need to be replaced. The drainage system and base infrastructure remain in place.
The athletic facility renovation is funded through a $5.9 million bond issued in 2025.
The project includes:
The project was financed through a capital improvement bond.
Indiana school districts use different funding sources for different purposes. By law, money borrowed through a capital bond may only be used for eligible construction and facility improvement projects.
Brown County Schools issued this bond after previous debt had been paid off, allowing the district to continue maintaining and improving facilities while keeping the school debt service tax rate stable.
No.
The athletic renovation was structured using existing debt capacity after previous bonds were paid off. As a result, Brown County Schools was able to complete the project without increasing the school debt service tax rate.
Indiana law requires school districts to use different funding sources for different purposes.
The money borrowed through this bond cannot legally be used to pay teacher salaries, benefits, or daily operating expenses.
Likewise, state education funding and local referendum dollars cannot legally be used to build athletic facilities.
Capital Funds / Bonds: Buildings, athletic facilities, roofs, buses, major equipment, and infrastructure
Education Fund: Teacher salaries, classroom instruction, instructional materials, and student support
Operations Fund: Transportation, utilities, maintenance, custodial services, and daily operations
Because these funds are legally restricted, investing in the athletic facility did not reduce funding available for teacher salaries.
No.
The athletic facility renovation was funded through a $5.9 million capital improvement bond issued by Brown County Schools.
No.
One of the primary purposes of the renovation was to improve drainage throughout the site. The project includes a professionally engineered stormwater management system designed to better manage runoff than the previous field. The drainage system was designed, reviewed, and constructed in accordance with applicable engineering standards and regulatory requirements.
The district recognizes that the hill has been enjoyed by Brown County families for many years.
While portions of the site have changed as part of the renovation, the project was designed to preserve as much of the surrounding area as practical while improving safety, drainage, and accessibility. The district appreciates the community’s connection to this tradition and is committed to balancing community use with the long-term stewardship of district property.
As part of the project, portions of Daugherty Road require restoration. Under the construction contract, Tarkett is responsible for restoring the roadway. Brown County Schools, the Brown County Highway Department, the Brown County Commissioners, and Tarkett are working collaboratively to ensure the roadway is restored appropriately, effectively, and in a timely manner.
Maintaining safe, functional facilities is part of the district’s responsibility regardless of school size or athletic success.
This project supports:
The athletic complex is one of many district facilities that serve students and the community throughout the year. Like our classrooms, playgrounds, buses, and school buildings, it requires ongoing maintenance and periodic investment to remain safe, functional, and accessible for future generations.
Indiana law allows school districts to finance eligible facility improvements through capital improvement bonds. Brown County Schools followed all applicable state laws governing school construction and financing throughout the planning and approval process.
The athletic complex serves students throughout Brown County Schools—not just the football program.
Students and community members who benefit from this renovation include:
The new turf field is lined for both football and soccer, creating a high-quality, multi-use athletic surface. The new post-tension track provides a modern facility for track and field athletes while also supporting physical education classes, elementary events, and community use.
The project was designed to create a safe, durable, and versatile facility that will serve students and the Brown County community for decades to come.
» Multi-use turf field for all sports
» New post-tension track
»Professionally engineered drainage system
» New restroom and concessions
» New scoreboard
» Improved accessibility
» Enhanced community facility for students and residents
Brown County Schools welcomes questions from our community. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at ecallahan@browncountyschools.com.
We are committed to providing accurate information and will continue updating this resource as additional questions arise.
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