With local Florida governments and school districts reeling from the recession, many are looking for novel ways to increase revenue.
The Volusia County School Board has become what may be the first school district in Florida to authorize advertising on school websites.
The ads will be sold by School Partnerships LLC to raise money for arts and athletic programs, academic competitions and other features, according to the News Journal.
“With budgets being devastated as they are, we can’t provide the same opportunities,” school superintendent Margaret Smith told the school board before it approved the advertising contract.
The Volusia school board has cut more than $54 million from its budget since 2007 because of funding reductions, declining enrollment, and rising operating costs. More cuts are being considered for the upcoming fiscal year.
The three-year contract allows School Partnerships to sell advertising for school websites, parent portals where children’s academic history can be checked, and an electronic grade book that will be launched in high schools this year allowing parents to monitor assignments and grades.
The district will collect 60% of gross revenue from ad sales in the first year, and 75% in the second and third years of the contract.
A review committee composed of district and school staff, parents and community representatives will review and recommend approval for ads.
A growing number of school districts facing budget cuts are looking to advertising on their websites as a new revenue source.
According to a presentation to the Volusia district board, schools in Arizona, South Dakota, Virginia and California are already accepting paid advertisements on their websites.
