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Board reviews partnership to replace gym scoreboards with digital displays; vendor handles ad sales, district keeps approval and a share of revenue
Summary
District staff described a proposed seven‑year partnership to install digital displays in high‑school gyms with no net annual cost (district payments would be offset by a guaranteed minimum ad revenue); schools would receive 25% of ad revenue during the first seven years, and ad approvals remain under district control.
CUSD 300 staff presented a proposed partnership to install digital display scoreboards in high‑school gyms and other large spaces, telling trustees the arrangement could replace aging scoreboards at essentially zero net annual cost and generate advertising revenue for schools.
Presenters said the seven‑year agreement would require an annual district payment of $24,900 for installation and service, but the contract guarantees a minimum advertising revenue return of $24,900 to the district so the annual cost would be net zero in the early years. The district would also receive 25% of advertising revenue for schools during the first seven years; after seven years the split would move to 50/50 and the district would own the displays.
District staff emphasized the vendor would handle local sales (“boots on the ground”) and that the district retains final approval of any advertising content. Trustees asked how schools would share and allocate advertising revenue; staff said an equitable distribution mechanism is still being finalized and that athletic directors, finance and technology staff are participating in those discussions. Staff also said the displays would support curricular uses—students could create graphics and videos for assemblies or lessons—and noted measures to limit advertising during instructional uses.
Trustees raised questions about potential advertising content and electricity costs. Staff said the displays would likely use less power than the incandescent scoreboards they replace and that content would be previewed by district staff; trustees sought additional clarity on how funds returned to schools would be distributed equitably.
Ending
The committee discussed the proposal and flagged the need for guidelines on advertising content and distribution of proceeds. Staff will return with contract language and an implementation plan.
