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"This is something the board is willing to consider, but we need more information on how exactly this would be done," she said. "We would also have to redraft our policy if we decided this is something we want to do."
Glen Baker, representing the athletic association, said his group didn't want to go any further with the idea if the board is firmly against it. But if the board is willing to consider the plan, more information would be forthcoming.
"We want your thoughts on this," he said, adding there would be multiple opportunities for businesses to participate depending on the size of the scoreboard, as well as the possibility of video.
Baker said a scoreboard would cost between $175,000 to $200,000. The actual size and features would dependent on how much advertising could be secured for it.
He passed out sample drawings of scoreboards for board members to look at which featured placards of varying sizes that could be sold to a business. Advertisers would be asked to sign three- or five-year contracts, he said.
"The whole idea is for this to be totally funded by outside advertising," he said, adding the athletic association has already talked to several vendors about the project.
Baker said the advertising could also provide a new revenue stream for the association which is being asked to provide more equipment and supplies every year for the athletic programs.
Scoreboards and time clocks also could be purchased this same way for basketball and baseball, he added.
Baker said the concept is not new and hundreds of high schools are doing the very same thing.
"Warrenton's scoreboard has advertising on it, so does Poplar Bluff's," he pointed out.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brendan Mahon said the video aspect of a scoreboard would provide an opportunity for the video and TV classes at the high school to create short pregame programs that could air, as well as allow students to video games and show highlights during halftime. The school also could advertise upcoming events, he said.
Rick Rehmeier, school board president, said he doesn't have a problem with allowing advertising on the scoreboard, but did note that several years ago the board rejected a proposed gift of time clocks in the gymnasium advertising a single business.
The other board members said they are willing to explore the idea, but want to revisit current policy and discuss how a new policy would be drafted to deal specifically with advertising.
"We would need some restrictions on what would be allowed," Mahon said.
All advertising would have to be school appropriate, officials said.
Board member Diane Brunworth said it's unfortunate that advertising is needed to fund such a purchase because she thinks these types of scoreboards look "gaudy," but agreed to move forward with "exploring" the idea.
The superintendent later told The Missourian she greatly appreciates the athletic association's willingness to pursue such a project, noting the current scoreboard is very old and the play clocks do not work properly.
"I also realize we have very little room in our capital projects budget to do anything like this now or in the next several years and we will probably have to rely more and more on the athletic association which has always been so supportive," VanLeer said.
"However, I do have some concerns with regards to perception, especially since we are in the process of reducing expenditures," she said. "I want to be clear to everyone that absolutely no district dollars will go toward this project."
VanLeer said she will hold a follow-up meeting with athletic association members to gather more information and the board will discuss the issue again before a final decision is made.
