Freeman board hears $90,000 gym video-board proposal, agrees to seek sponsor commitments before ordering

Harriet, a representative from Dacttronics, pitched a 7-by-12 video board for Freeman School District’s main gym, saying the unit could function as a scoreboard and a revenue source through tiered sponsorships. She estimated a project price of about $90,000, excluding installation and electrical work, and said lead time is roughly 10 weeks once an order is signed.

The presentation emphasized both programmatic and revenue benefits. Harriet said the board could “zone” the screen for score displays, senior or player profiles and sponsor messages, and described curricular advantages — students can learn production and event-management skills tied to internships. She cited regional examples and said schools typically generate revenue ranging from a few thousand dollars to “about $50,000 per year” on average from sponsorships; Dacttronics’ marketing services would assist with sponsor outreach at no extra fee beyond the purchase.

Board members pressed on cost, timing and whether the district should wait to secure advertising commitments before buying the board. The Dacttronics representative offered suggested sponsorship price points — for example, anchors at $4,000 per year and founding partners at $2,000 per year — and noted that a five-year financing scenario with a 5.9% interest assumption would require roughly $20,000 per year in sponsorship revenue to cover a lease or loan payment.

District members expressed caution about ordering before funding is identified. The board voted to approve a process to reach out to potential sponsors and gauge interest prior to placing an order, rather than immediately committing district funds or signing a purchase. The motion carried by voice vote.

The next procedural step is for staff to contact local sponsors and report back at a future board meeting; board members also noted installation and electrical costs could push the total above $100,000 depending on site work.