New Trier to Discuss Naming Rights, Advertising

school board members said Monday night that they are amenable to possibly allowing some advertising on school property or allowing facilities to be named after large donors.

Both options would mark changes to a district policy that underwent a major revision in 2008 and minor changes in 2010, when the high school’s booster club first raised the idea of a major contribution to help pay for synthetic turf in the football stadium on the school’s

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The existing policy does not allow advertising in school facilities and says that facilities can only be named after former district employees as a recognition of “meritorious service.”

But the district could use both sponsorship and naming opportunities to raise money for facilities in tight economic times, said John Myefski, school board president.

“The world did change in 2008, and I’m excited that there is support for this,” he said. “I think New Trier is one of the few districts that can lead on this. We have individuals who live in the district and among our alumni who can afford to make a difference.”

The district in December moved forward with plans to install synthetic turf, including accepting a $1 million donation from the booster club. The booster club's donation is based on the club's ability to raise money by selling commemorative bricks to contributors.

The club also wants to offer sponsorship deals to corporations that would include some kind of advertising opportunity, said Mac Harris, board member.

A special committee will be formed to consider possible changes, and then the school board’s policy committee will be charged with writing a policy to meet the recommendations.

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