Midview Local Schools is excited to announce a transformative $27 million investment in its athletic facilities, made possible through a historic $8.5 million in grant funding and private donations from The Ross Foundation and the Cromling family. This once-in-a-generation investment will support a bold, multi-phase project designed to elevate the student experience, strengthen community partnerships and wellness, and accommodate the expansion of the district’s preschool program.
“We are thrilled to announce the approval of this grant, which reflects our commitment to innovative projects that make a significant impact in our community. This funding will allow Midview Schools to build state-of-the-art athletic facilities to support vital sports and athletic programs to the Midview school campus”, said Jon Cromling on behalf of The Ross Foundation, Inc. “We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes that will emerge from this collaboration.”
The $8.5 million in private support will serve as the cornerstone of a three-part project that includes a new multi-purpose facility at the entrance of Ross Field at Adelsberg Stadium, fully renovated baseball and softball fields, and a state-of-the-art indoor athletic practice and wellness complex.
To fund the remaining $18.5 million, the district will utilize Certificates of Participation (COPS), a lease-purchase financing option used by public entities. This method allows the district to access funds with long-range, interest-free terms, resulting in lower annual payments.
“This is more than a facilities upgrade; it’s a catalyst for community connection, student development, and district pride,” said Superintendent Dr. Frank Major. “Words can’t fully express our gratitude to The Ross Foundation and the Cromling family—not only for making these projects a reality, but for consistently going above and beyond for our schools. This is a milestone moment—one that will benefit Midview students and families for decades to come.”
Construction will begin in late October on the baseball and softball fields, with completion targeted before the spring season. The first phase will address long-standing drainage issues that have caused frequent game cancellations and relocations—even after light rain. The project will also include a host of upgrades, including installing synthetic turf for year-round play, adding new fencing, fully rebuilding climate-controlled dugouts, upgrading bullpens, and installing a double-sided scoreboard. These improvements will benefit both high school teams and local youth leagues, while positioning the district as an attractive host for regional competitions.
A new two-story multi-purpose facility will replace the existing entrance to Ross Field at Adelsberg Stadium, creating a welcoming and functional space for athletes and spectators alike. The ground floor will feature home and visitor locker rooms, officials’ and coaches’ spaces, accessible restrooms, and upgraded concession and ticketing areas. The second level will house the district’s Board of Education offices, currently located at East Intermediate School. This relocation will free up much-needed space to support growing enrollment and the planned expansion of the district’s preschool program.
The centerpiece of the project will be a 70,000 square-foot indoor athletic and wellness complex, to be constructed on the site of the former middle school (located between Midview High School and the bus garage). This state-of-the-art facility will include a 40-yard turf field, indoor track, basketball/volleyball court, designated practice spaces for wrestling and cheerleading, drop-down batting cage, meeting and training rooms, and a virtual golf simulator. The complex will serve as a year-round training space for student groups and a hub for community programs, supporting a broad range of wellness and extracurricular activities.
Construction on these buildings will begin in early 2026.
The wellness complex will also include a satellite clinic to provide health services and athletic-based sports care for students, staff, and local residents. Further, Midview Local Schools is committed to using the facilities as a platform for growing youth sports, hosting community events, and expanding partnerships that promote health and engagement.
“My parents, my brother and his wife, and my entire family have all attended Midview Schools and have been involved in their sports programs,” said Bill Cromling III, who, along with his father, Bill Cromling II, and their wives Chris and Deann, will be independently donating funds towards the project. “This will be a transformative endeavor for the school district. It is a much-needed improvement to their facilities and will serve as a model for other districts for years to come.”
Many generations of the Ross and Cromling families have attended Midview schools and have been fierce supporters of education in the district. Over the years, their generosity has supported the installation of turf at Ross Field at Adelsberg Stadium, the renovation of the high school weight room, and the donation of nearly $18,000 in “Stop the Bleed” emergency medical kits for every classroom. For more than 40 years, their Ross Challenge Grants Program has also empowered teachers to bring creative, meaningful learning experiences to life—many of which would not have been possible otherwise.
“Our students, staff, families, and residents deserve modern, high-quality facilities that reflect the pride we feel in our schools and our community,” said Dr. Major. “We’re excited to bring this vision to life and to work alongside our local partners to ensure these new spaces serve our district well. This marks a foundational step in a broader vision for transforming our total campus footprint. State construction funds can only be used for new school buildings, not for athletic or support facilities like these. That’s why the district had to seek outside support, and thanks to the generosity of The Ross Foundation and the Cromling family, these projects are possible without requiring taxpayers to shoulder the cost.”
Architectural firm Cordogan Clark is leading project design, and Beaver Constructors Inc. will provide management oversight. The district will soon begin to select contractors in alignment with construction timelines.
To review initial renderings, project-related FAQ’s, and progress updates, please visit midviewk12.org/athleticfacilitiesproject.