North Kitsap School District mulls corporate sponsorship
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POULSBO, Wash. -- Viking Stadium at North Kitsap High School may one day bear another name -- that of a sponsor.
With money in tight supply, some school districts are looking at commercial advertising as a way to make up the budget gap.
And the school's buses may also soon bear ads. The North Kitsap School District has scores of buses with plenty of yellow open space on their sides. Some will argue that space could be used for advertising dollars just like the city buses. The district just cut $3 million from its budget and is looking at any way to offset that.
"As we're looking to really not put extra burden on our taxpayers, what can we do to raise funds?" said superintendent Patty Page.
All they have to do is look at the Sumner School District, which made a $1 million deal with local car dealer Sunset Chevrolet eight years ago. Its stadium is now called Sunset Chevrolet Stadium.
"We're making sure that this stadium is as self-sufficient as possible without taking money that could be used in the classroom," said Tim Thomsen, athletic director of the Sumner School District.
But as some students look at their stadium, they worry about the intrusion of corporate America into their public school setting.
"If Microsoft were to come in and (say,) 'Here at North Kitsap, it's the Microsoft Stadium.' It's like, 'No, this is Viking Stadium," said Fe Schell, a student.
"I really have no objections, because advertisements have already infested every other part of our lives," said Phoenix Olson, another student. "If it's going to bring the school some money to help fund arts and whatnot, why not?"
The district put together a volunteer group of educators, administrators, local citizens and local businesses to start taking a look at all options.
A final decision will be made by spring.
With money in tight supply, some school districts are looking at commercial advertising as a way to make up the budget gap.
And the school's buses may also soon bear ads. The North Kitsap School District has scores of buses with plenty of yellow open space on their sides. Some will argue that space could be used for advertising dollars just like the city buses. The district just cut $3 million from its budget and is looking at any way to offset that.
"As we're looking to really not put extra burden on our taxpayers, what can we do to raise funds?" said superintendent Patty Page.
All they have to do is look at the Sumner School District, which made a $1 million deal with local car dealer Sunset Chevrolet eight years ago. Its stadium is now called Sunset Chevrolet Stadium.
"We're making sure that this stadium is as self-sufficient as possible without taking money that could be used in the classroom," said Tim Thomsen, athletic director of the Sumner School District.
But as some students look at their stadium, they worry about the intrusion of corporate America into their public school setting.
"If Microsoft were to come in and (say,) 'Here at North Kitsap, it's the Microsoft Stadium.' It's like, 'No, this is Viking Stadium," said Fe Schell, a student.
"I really have no objections, because advertisements have already infested every other part of our lives," said Phoenix Olson, another student. "If it's going to bring the school some money to help fund arts and whatnot, why not?"
The district put together a volunteer group of educators, administrators, local citizens and local businesses to start taking a look at all options.
A final decision will be made by spring.
I just graduated from North. You cant just change the name of a stadium that was been called "viking Stadium" since the school opened. I understand that they need the money but kids should not have to have advertisements on there school buses and change the name of the stadium. Its fundraising not social standings.
 @Poposhemfro Maybe the ads could help people with spelling.
I think corporate sponsorship should be just that... sponsorship, not advertising. In other words, if a corporation wants to sponsor an event such as a Science Fair or Art Festival or Football Bowl Game, then that would be okay with me. In fact, I believe things like that are sometimes done already. Basically, corporate advertising through community goodwill. But just flat out advertising at schools is not something I think of as a good idea.
 @justathought - Agreed!
I understand their reasoning but I would NEVER be comfortable with that! As if we don't live in a crazy advertising world enough already!