Kaneland school board approves scoreboard for advertising use

Kaneland Knights football fans could see ads on the new scoreboard as soon as booster clubs can sell them and get them approved by district officials.

The school board approved an updated policy for district advertising Monday night. Besides the new scoreboard on the football/soccer field, it could apply to scoreboards and sideline tables in the competition gymnasium.

On the recommendation of its attorney, the board dropped a proposal to prohibit religion-oriented advertising, or advertising that promoted non-Kaneland schools.

"The only way we could (legally) prohibit a religious organization from advertising would be to prohibit all outside groups from advertising," said Julie-Ann Fuchs, the district's assistant superintendent. That would include charitable, educational and community-oriented organizations.

The board discussed a suggestion by member Cheryl Krauspe to prohibit advertising of programs that compete with the district's stated mission, which prompted talk about whether driving schools, for example, should be allowed to advertise.

On the outdoor scoreboard, there are three advertising spaces.

They have been assigned to the Kaneland Sports Boosters, the Kaneland Foundation, and a performing-arts booster club. The groups will sell the advertising and reap the profits for their organizations.

The other could be sold by the district.

The school is also considering selling advertising banners.