Daktronics pitches video scoreboard options and sponsorship plan to Colstrip board

Colstrip Public Schools trustees heard a presentation from Daktronics representatives Ryan and Ben about new indoor and outdoor video‑scoreboard options and a sponsorship model intended to cover much or all of the equipment cost.

Ryan described three outdoor configurations with different active‑area sizes (a roughly 13‑by‑25 option, a 9‑by‑15 option and a larger 17‑by‑30 option) and a fixed‑digit scoreboard beneath the video screen so time and score remain visible while the video area is used. He said designs are conceptual and can be adjusted, and he showed an example of automatic integration with timing systems used for track and wrestling.

Ben, who described his role as fundraising liaison, said Daktronics’ marketing service does not take a commission split and that package design is tailored to local sponsors. "We also don't take any commission split," Ben said. He gave an example range Daktronics has seen in similar rural venues — "about $45,000 to $50,000 per year" from 10–16 sponsors at some sites — and said manufacturing lead time for a board is typically "8 to 10 weeks." Ryan added that the board's console can usually be configured to export live score data for district websites, pending confirmation of the district's particular web tools.

Trustees discussed approach and timing. One trustee framed the district's preferred path as soliciting sponsors first and having Daktronics "build to that budget," so the district would not need a large up‑front appropriation. A motion was made to approve Daktronics as the vendor and authorize district representatives to solicit sponsors; the transcript shows the motion and public comment but does not include a recorded final vote on that motion.

During public comment, Trey Graf, who was introduced as the high‑school band director, urged caution about sponsor content during events. "Taking that playing time away from my kids is a concern," Graf said. Daktronics representatives responded that sponsor content can be visual only and that packages can be structured so the band and cheer squad retain time for performance: "A lot of the time... it's just on the board," Ryan said, describing visual animations rather than spoken commercial announcements.

Athletics staff also asked operational questions, including whether the district would need a dedicated operator or announcer. Ben said the system can be set to rotate sponsor panels automatically and that the district need only trigger short pre‑recorded content when desired. He emphasized Daktronics’ willingness to design packages the district can fulfill and avoid promising features the district cannot staff.

Board members asked Daktronics to confirm web integration and other technical details. Trustees signaled general interest in pursuing sponsorship fundraising but the transcript does not show a recorded vote to finalize the vendor authorization.

The board moved on to routine hiring and policy business after the presentation.