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Board debates vendor-funded video scoreboards for Naperville North; concerns raised over ads and long contracts
Summary
District staff introduced a proposal from a vendor to install new indoor video scoreboards at Naperville North with the company handling ad sales and software; trustees discussed contract length, revenue sharing, electrical upgrade costs and control of advertising content and asked for the vendor contract to be provided for review.
The board discussed a vendor proposal to install two new video scoreboards at Naperville North High School while the district debated terms and potential community impacts.
Superintendent Dr. Cohen and other staff summarized a memorandum recommending vendor-provided video boards and software, noting the vendor would supply the displays and manage ad sales and rotation. Board members asked for more details about contract length (discussed as ten to fifteen years in conversation), the district’s rights to reject specific advertisements, the frequency of use of the displays during events, and who would receive and manage revenue. Staff said the vendor would handle solicitation and rotation of advertisements and the district would retain the right to refuse content under existing board policy. Staff also said the vendor would provide the video-editing software and licensing as part of the arrangement.
Trustee Mark Wilenski asked how many hours the screens would be in use; staff said the boards would be active for all gymnasium contests and events (multiple nights a week during seasons). Questions followed about electrical and data-line upgrades required to support the new equipment, and staff acknowledged the district would incur electrical and related installation costs even though the vendor would supply the boards and software. In one exchange staff estimated that the full installed and licensed value could run roughly $250,000, including licensing, though the board asked for a full contract to understand obligations and revenue expectations.
Trustees expressed mixed views. Some said the arrangement could be a way to avoid a direct district capital outlay for equipment and to address an Illinois High School Association shot-clock requirement that will require upgrades; others raised concerns about bringing commercial advertising into school spaces, long contract terms, and whether the district could obtain a larger share of revenue or protections for student-facing content.
There was no final vote on the scoreboard proposal; board members asked staff to provide the proposed contract language and cost estimates for electrical and data upgrades before taking action.
Ending
Staff agreed to return the vendor contract and detailed cost/benefit information at a future meeting. Trustees said they wanted explicit contract language on advertising control, contract duration and the district’s share of revenue before deciding whether to proceed.
