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District reviews proposal for ad‑supported digital scoreboards; committee agrees to forward contract for board review
Summary
A vendor offered to install digital scoreboards at no up‑front cost in return for advertising rights; the facilities committee agreed to send a draft contract to the full board but members flagged questions about maintenance, revenue allocation and contract length.
The facilities committee reviewed a proposal on Aug. 14 from a scoreboard vendor to replace the high‑school stadium scoreboards with ad‑supported digital displays. The vendor would cover equipment and installation costs in exchange for rights to sell advertising; the district would pay for electrical and network cabling and assume routine operations and maintenance.
District staff described the arrangement as largely cost‑neutral for the district on installation if the board accepts the vendor contract. Presenters said the vendor projects possible advertising revenue over a seven‑ or ten‑year term and will provide a software package and curriculum so students could learn scoreboard graphics and video production.
"At worst case scenario we pay $10,000 to $12,000 for cabling and installation and we get new scoreboards," a facilities staff member said, summarizing the district's cost exposure. The vendor also proposed revenue‑sharing models that the district would monitor.
Committee concerns: Several committee members asked for clarity on where advertising proceeds would be recorded and budgeted (general fund vs. athletics vs. student activities), who controls ad approvals and content, long‑term maintenance costs and software licensing after the initial contract term, and whether a 7‑ or 10‑year agreement provides better value given warranty limits and revenue projections. Board member O'Donnell requested the final contract before taking a position; other members said they were comfortable forwarding the item for board discussion.
Next steps and conditions: Staff said an initial contract draft had been submitted and that the solicitor was reviewing terms; staff will seek to ensure the district retains final approval of ads, obtains clear warranty and maintenance commitments, and clarifies how revenue will be budgeted. The committee agreed to send the draft contract and revenue model to the regular board meeting for further review and potential approval of the preferred term (7 or 10 years).
Ending: The committee forwarded the scoreboard contract to the board for consideration and asked staff and counsel to address the outstanding questions about maintenance, software licensing, ad control and revenue designation before the board acts.
