Kaneland OKs advertising banners at stadium

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Updated: March 24, 2012 11:26PM

The Kaneland School Board has approved a minimum $1,500 annual fee for advertising space on the high school athletic field fences as a new revenue source to fund stadium capital projects.

The administration and a representative of the Kaneland Sports Boosters this week presented a plan to raise revenue through the sale of advertising banners at the high school football stadium.

A committee of the Sports Boosters has recommended 20 banners be sold and displayed on the inner athletic fence around the track.

Board member Teresa Witt said the stadium is a visible place for advertising but it is used by all students and she wouldn’t want to see the revenue used to support operating costs for specific athletic or extra-curricular programs.

“The stadium is the home of the marching band and the football team,” Witt said. “As we prepare to make cuts, I wouldn’t want to see the revenues used to save sports and not the other programs.” Board member Tony Valente wanted assurance the banners would be appropriate for a school environment and not advertise beer breweries or pharmaceutical companies selling medication for male dysfunction.

“I don’t perceive us opening conversations with liquor distributorships or pharmaceuticals,” said Ryan Delahanty, a member of the Kaneland Sports Boosters board of directors.

Delahanty said they would work within the school district’s policy and administrative procedures. Superintendent Jeff Schuler said he’s been working with administrators from the high school and members of the Sports Boosters on a plan to raise revenue through the sale of advertising space.

He said capital project needs include the replacement of the scoreboard and track.