School naming rights push raises money, questions

MISHAWAKA, Indiana - A northern Indiana school district is selling naming rights to some of its facilities to raise money despite criticism that the proceeds aren't enough to warrant the deals.

The South Bend Tribune reports the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp. is negotiating with businesses and individuals to give money in exchange for a sign on a building or facility. The money will be used to help buy iPads, train teachers and cover other costs.

Robert Weissman of lobbying group Public Citizen opposes the deals. He says allowing a business to buy the right to advertise to schoolchildren is different from naming a space for an educator or alumnus.

Superintendent Jerry Thacker says the naming rights project could eventually expand to endowing chairs or other big-ticket endeavors.