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Board reviews draft policy on advertising on district property; boosters, scoreboards and auctions discussed
Summary
The board considered a first reading of a policy regulating advertising on district property. The draft allows some advertising (e.g., gym and field signs) with restrictions, prohibits certain fundraising practices (such as auctioning parking spaces), and seeks to balance booster fundraising and public‑funds concerns.
The Snohomish School District Board reviewed a first reading of a policy that would govern advertising on district property, clarify what is permissible, and set procedures for approvals.
Staff and board members discussed examples raised by parents and booster clubs, including signs on athletic fields, scoreboards bearing vendor logos, fundraising auctions and priority scheduling sold to highest bidders. Administrators said the draft policy aims to balance revenue opportunities and community fundraising with legal limits on gifts of public funds and the district’s obligation to avoid using captive school audiences for long-term advertising.
District staff told the board the policy would permit certain manufacturer or vendor logos (for example, on equipment), allow temporary advertising/signage that must be removed during school hours, and require competitive or documented processes for long-term advertising placements. Staff said practices that have been curtailed previously include auctioning a reserved parking space and selling priority scheduling; those were identified as conflicts with the district’s interpretation of public-funds rules. The policy retains flexibility for booster and parent groups to run many common fundraising activities (for example, walkathons) with procedural adjustments to comply with the policy.
Board members said the policy was intended to reset expectations after principals and parent groups raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement. Staff said they will continue to work with boosters, parent organizations and schools to clarify permitted activities and the approval process. The item was presented for first reading and no vote was taken.
