Christian County Public Schools is moving forward with a major renovation of the Stadium of Champions, aligning long-planned improvements with construction of the district’s new consolidated high school. Superintendent Chris Bentzel said the modernization effort represents a strategic investment in athletics, academics and student support services.
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Bentzel noted that the stadium work has been fully integrated into the high school construction budget, utilizing restricted funds that are designated solely for building upgrades and capital outlay projects. This approach, he said, allows the district to maximize efficiency while preparing for a significant facilities transition.
The Stadium of Champions is the primary home for CCPS football and track—two of the district’s most visible and widely attended programs. The renovation plan will transform existing office areas into new coaches’ offices, weight rooms, training spaces and study hall rooms designed specifically for student-athletes. These additions aim to enhance conditioning, academic performance, and program operations as CCPS shifts toward a consolidated campus model.
Bentzel emphasized that the upgrades support the broader timeline of the district’s new consolidated high school, set to open in August 2026. He said the project is “on schedule and within budget,” and added that staff should gain full access to the new building in May. Early access will allow teams to move in furniture, launch summer programming, and begin student orientations well ahead of the first school year.
As construction progresses, the district is also focused on the academic push leading into the spring semester. Bentzel said CCPS wants to finish December strong and prepare students for key assessments, including SAT testing and Kentucky State Assessments scheduled for April and early May.
Academic performance has been trending upward across CCPS over the past five years. Bentzel pointed to rising proficiency rates, noting that reading scores have increased 10%—surpassing the statewide 4% growth—and math scores are up more than 12%, more than double Kentucky’s 5% average rise. “We’re closing the gap,” Bentzel said, highlighting the district’s focus on reducing novice performance and elevating achievement for all student groups.
Looking ahead, Bentzel said the district’s long-term priorities include a successful opening of the new high school, expanding early childhood learning for children ages 0-5, and sustaining high levels of school safety and operations. The district is also finalizing its updated five-year strategic plan, expected for completion in June 2026, with implementation beginning shortly afterward.
With construction accelerating and academic progress continuing, the district views the stadium renovations as another key piece of its long-term vision—one that strengthens student experience both inside and outside the classroom.
Originally reported by Jenny Myers in Kentucky New Era.
