Michigan's public schools (even Bloomfield Hills) allow ads to raise revenue - 1st ads roll out 4/14

[Bozita]

Last Updated: March 31. 2010 2:27PM
Schools allow ads to raise revenue
Valerie Olander / The Detroit News


Cash-strapped school districts across Metro Detroit are trying to raise money -- in some cases, as much as six figures -- by allowing advertisements on gym walls, athletic fields and on school Web pages.

The first ad campaign will be rolled out April 14 at Trenton High School. Three other Downriver districts -- Southgate, Woodhaven-Brownstown and Wyandotte -- will take part at the same time.

The key categories for ad sales include car dealers, banks, credit unions, quick-service foods and fine-dining restaurants, according to Bloomfield Hills-based Alternative Revenue Development, the company that's pitching the idea to schools.

In August, about 30 more school districts will begin displaying advertisements, including Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Huron Valley, Pontiac, Royal Oak, Dearborn Heights and Ecorse.

The money-making venture comes amid a state funding crisis that has forced districts to turn to creative ways to make money, from privatizing custodial and transportation services to closing buildings and laying off teachers. A growing number are in debt.

Martin Brook, president of the Bloomfield Hills Board of Education, said he has concerns about marketing products to children, but "times have changed." Brook was against advertising on school buses when that idea was being sold across Michigan about five years ago. But the ad campaign being proposed now has his attention, he said.

After closing two elementary schools, cutting 20 custodians last year and talks of merging its two high schools this year, Bloomfield Hills officials are ready to try other avenues.

"We live in a new world," he said. "We have to be pragmatic and we have to look at all the options."

Others criticized the venture. Bloomfield Hills school trustee Kate Pettersen was one of two board members who voted against becoming part of the five-district Oakland County advertising network.

more...

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100331/SCHOOLS/3310371/1026/Schools-allow-ads-to-raise-revenue#ixzz0jnv3vgIs

[Starry Messenger]

1. Horrible and sad.

It's come to this. x(

[tom_paine]

2. Corporate Neofeudalism, like any other totalitarianism, seeks to control every aspect of life

This is unsurprising.

I'd say it "the beginning of the end" of our nation as a viable democratic-republic, but it's WAY past the beginning.

[panader0]

3. The public schools in my little town have billboards on the street

"Thanks to Donovan Dodge" or "Thanks to So and So Bottling Co." etc etc. For years now.
Also, a few of them hold religious services on Sundays.