School districts across Michigan boost spending on marketing

[Bozita]

Source: Detroit Free Press

School districts across Michigan boost spending on marketing
They're looking for out-of-district students and the cash they bring
BY LORI HIGGINS • FREE PRESS EDUCATION WRITER • MAY 11, 2009


Anyone who tuned in to the local ABC-TV affiliate on a Thursday evening last month was treated to a program featuring what were billed as some of Michigan's best school districts.

What wasn't clear was that the show was a 30-minute marketing showcase. The three districts featured -- Fraser Public Schools, Oxford Community Schools and Southgate Community Schools -- each paid $25,000 to be included.

It's an unusual way to market, but a sign of the times. Many districts across Michigan are reeling from enrollment and funding declines. Some are fighting back by spending money on marketing and advertising, in the hopes of attracting new students and keeping those they already have.

At least one of the districts involved said the program on WXYZ-TV paid off.

Read more: http://www.freep.com/article/20090511/NEWS05/905110431/1001/NEWS/School+districts+across+Michigan+boost+spending+on+marketing

[notadmblnd]

1. I've heard ads for Royak oak and Southfield too

The best schools in Oakland County in my opinion are West Bloomfield but I haven't heard them advertising. They were protesting tonight the firing of 38 teacher at the high school though.

[imdjh]

3. That must be a big school. I'd be surprised if my high school had 38 teachers. nt

[notadmblnd]

5. more than 2000 students

it's a hugeschool. Very diverse, very liberal district.

[PassingFair]

2. Our schools are building new gyms and sprucing up playgrounds...

to attract "schools of choice" attendees.

Howz about you add a GIFTED PROGRAM
or bring in a language besides SPANISH?

They skimp on music and language, but
they think they will pull in the money
with sprots.

:eyes:

[imdjh]

4. The foreign language war

We had it in my neighborhood school. I was for Spanish, because there are lots of people here and elsewhere in the country who actually speak it. The opposition was for French, supported by literary types who thought it would be artsy and allow for reading French literature in French. I lost.

[PassingFair]

6. I want both.

AND German and Chinese.

I'll take them over football bleachers
any time.