METHUEN — School officials are moving forward with a proposal that would allow companies to advertise at school sports facilities — but businesses that peddle booze, tobacco and adult entertainment need not apply.
"You could have a limited amount of advertising," said School Committeeman Kenneth Willette Jr., who brought forward the proposal. "You couldn't have any advertising that would advocate for alcohol or tobacco or violent themes like on video games or adult entertainment. It has to be in concert with education."
Sporting goods or health care companies would be appropriate candidates, Willette said.
"It would allow us to raise some additional monies for our school system," Willette said. "This is exclusively for sporting events and the sporting venues. It would not open up the floodgates for solicitation schoolwide."
If Methuen goes ahead with the proposal, it will join Haverhill in raising money through advertising at sporting events.
Local companies pay a fee to place signs at Haverhill Stadium, the hub of school sports in that city. The Haverhill High football and baseball teams play there. The stadium also hosts community events such as Haverhill High graduation ceremonies and the annual July 4 festival and fireworks.
Willette suggested that companies could sponsor championship banners to be hung at Methuen's Nicholson Stadium to honor sporting achievements. Companies could pay for the banners and pay some extra money to the school system, which could be used to help rehabilitate the stadium, he said.
School Committee members have given the proposal unanimous preliminary approval but will need to vote once more to officially authorize advertising.
"I like the policy very much," said Superintendent Jeanne Whitten. "It will allow us to pick up some additional revenue for appropriate advertising."
Currently, the schools prohibit advertising, Willette said.
Mayor William Manzi, the chairman of the School Committee, said he has no objections and agreed that any advertisements must be appropriate for underage eyes.
"No Budweiser logos," he said.
ÔÇæÔÇæÔÇæ
Join the discussion. To comment on stories and see what others are saying, log on to eagletribune.com.
