Neshaminy board moves advertising policy to second reading after booster warnings about banners
June 01, 2024 | Neshaminy SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Neshaminy School Board advanced a new advertising policy (8.01) to a scheduled second reading and possible adoption on June 4 after members of the public warned the proposal could curb longstanding stadium banner fundraising.
During the first public comment period, several booster representatives told the board the policy—now in first reading—must be written to protect community fundraising. “The community has a big sense of pride in our football program,” said Jeanette McVay, who identified herself as a systems administrator and a football booster parent. She asked the board to consider the effect of the policy on equipment purchases and volunteer fundraising.
Rich Ash, who said he is president of the Neshaminy baseball/boosters organization, told trustees banners generated roughly $12,000 last year and are the mainstay of booster revenue for jackets, practice gear and other student support. “So I think in the long run the scoreboard can be sold amongst other people … but I think the banners for us are the mainstay,” Ash said.
Board members said the action at the May meeting was only the policy’s first reading, giving the board and the policy committee time to refine language before a second reading and final adoption on June 4. “The first reading is not an action,” said a board member during discussion, and several trustees urged stakeholders to attend the committee review where details are worked out.
The board did not adopt a final change at the meeting. Trustees noted the policy committee will continue to review specifics such as whether and how physical banners and digital scoreboard advertising are treated, and how any transition would affect booster groups that run fundraising programs.
Next steps: Policy 8.01 returns for a second reading and potential final vote at the board’s June 4 meeting; school staff and committee members asked community representatives to participate in upcoming committee discussions to help shape the policy.
During the first public comment period, several booster representatives told the board the policy—now in first reading—must be written to protect community fundraising. “The community has a big sense of pride in our football program,” said Jeanette McVay, who identified herself as a systems administrator and a football booster parent. She asked the board to consider the effect of the policy on equipment purchases and volunteer fundraising.
Rich Ash, who said he is president of the Neshaminy baseball/boosters organization, told trustees banners generated roughly $12,000 last year and are the mainstay of booster revenue for jackets, practice gear and other student support. “So I think in the long run the scoreboard can be sold amongst other people … but I think the banners for us are the mainstay,” Ash said.
Board members said the action at the May meeting was only the policy’s first reading, giving the board and the policy committee time to refine language before a second reading and final adoption on June 4. “The first reading is not an action,” said a board member during discussion, and several trustees urged stakeholders to attend the committee review where details are worked out.
The board did not adopt a final change at the meeting. Trustees noted the policy committee will continue to review specifics such as whether and how physical banners and digital scoreboard advertising are treated, and how any transition would affect booster groups that run fundraising programs.
Next steps: Policy 8.01 returns for a second reading and potential final vote at the board’s June 4 meeting; school staff and committee members asked community representatives to participate in upcoming committee discussions to help shape the policy.
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