Naming Rights to High School Field May Be Sold [POLL]

At the next meeting Tuesday, the board will discuss selling naming rights to help fund the high school field restoration project.

Board President Dr. Karen Cortellino read a statement of the board's consideration of the measure at the board's March 6 meeting.

"There is a way that public bodies, including school districts, can acquire revenue for particular projects—including projects related to athletic facilities—from sources other than taxes, and that is to offer so-called 'naming rights' for a fee," she said.

Despite a failed referendum that asked voters whether they would approve a $990,000 artificial turf field project funded through the district's surplus, Cortellino said the board had not yet considered selling the naming rights of the field to a sponsor. 

"This is an avenue that we can explore that could possibly get the field done at no cost to the taxpayer," she said.

The school district is currently following advice on improving the conditions of the field , but their suggestion is for the high school field to be used for games only, allowing the turf to rest and grow. 

"In the end, we are left with solutions which seem patchwork and temporary. A more permanent solution is necessary," Cortellino said.

Denise Gauweiler, chairwoman of , the non-profit organization that has been working to raise funding for an artificial turf field at the , said Turf the Valley would support the board selling naming rights if the measure were to go through.

"I think it would be great option," she said.

Cortellino noted that if a resolution is approved, the board would have to go out to bid for the naming rights and submit a Request for Proposals. The board will be meeting at the Tuesday at 8 p.m.