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Perkiomen Valley committee hears Digital Scoreboards pitch for ‘net 0’ gym displays and student media program
Summary
Digital Scoreboards proposed two 12x7 LED boards, a seven‑year ScoreVision subscription and a DS Academy curriculum to engage students. The company offered a revenue model it called 'net 0'—guaranteeing $25,000 a year back to the district—while reserving a 75% share of ad revenue after administration.
Digital Scoreboards told the Perkiomen Valley School District Safety and Operations Committee that it can install two 12‑by‑7 digital gym boards, supply a seven‑year ScoreVision subscription and run a seven‑year DS Academy curriculum intended to involve students in content creation.
"The DS Media program is empowering schools to get to where they need to get with net 0 cost," said Bob Hartman of Digital Scoreboards during the Nov. 20 presentation. Hartman said the package includes parts, labor and a seven‑year warranty and service plan, plus annual animations and curriculum support.
Hartman described a financing model in which the district would pay a year‑one amount (presented as $25,000 after a recent pricing revision) and the company would guarantee returning that $25,000 through advertising revenue each subsequent year. Under the proposal the district would receive 25% of ad revenue while the company would retain 75% after a 20% administrative fee for ad sales. Hartman also said shot clocks and backboard lighting were not included in the $25,000 annual figure and estimated those additions at about $12,800 as an upfront, year‑one cost.
Athletic Director Bob Felty introduced the proposal and framed it as both an athletics upgrade and a school‑day instructional tool. Hartman emphasized the included DS Academy curriculum, which he said trains students to produce content, run cameras and manage the boards.
Committee members asked how ad content would be vetted and whether existing sponsor relationships would be preserved. Hartman said the district would have "a right of refusal on anything that we're doing" and that preexisting sponsors or booster‑club arrangements can be carved out of a contract.
Hartman described an 8–10 week installation lead time after contract signing and a kickoff process involving facilities, IT and district staff, including a corporate site survey to limit change orders. He also highlighted service commitments—remote diagnostics and rapid on‑site repair under the warranty.
No formal recommendation or contract was presented; committee members asked the district solicitor to review contract language and agreed to follow up with district staff on timing and potential funding options. The presentation materials and the company proposal will be circulated to staff and legal counsel for review.
Next steps: district staff will review the contract language with the solicitor and report back to the committee before any procurement action.
