Naperville District 203 board to consider digital advertising program

Naperville Unit District 203 school board members are considering a new districtwide digital advertising initiative for the video boards at the high schools’ stadiums, gyms and pools.

The proposal, which will be voted on Sept. 22, would allow local businesses to pay for ads on the district video boards.

Naperville Central High School has video boards at its stadium, main gym and pool and Naperville North has them at its stadium and pool. A new video board is planned for the Naperville North main gym.

The district would vet all advertising content for appropriateness, and priority would be given to local Naperville businesses and community partners, according to the plan introduced Monday by high school athletic directors Jeff Plackett, of Naperville Central, and Jon Pereiro, of Naperville North.

Political messages or advocacy advertising would be prohibited, they said. Ads would be limited to digital displays, and the proposal does not include any permanent signage or naming rights.

The advertising would be displayed at designated times so it doesn’t interfere with the sporting event being played.

A district review committee consisting of both high schools’ deans of student activities, principals, athletic directors, and others will create advertising criteria, said Allison Boutet, assistant superintendent for leadership, secondary level.

According to the district, the advertising could generate about $165,000 a year with funds split equally between the Naperville Central and Naperville North booster clubs. Revenue would benefit students by helping pay for uniforms, equipment, transportation, fees and other student needs that arise outside the annual budget cycle.

Students will also have a chance to work on advertising, marketing and graphic design, a feature that several board members said they endorsed.

“I really like this idea of providing students these real-world skills and opportunities,” board member Joe Kozminski said.

Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.