Sports

St. Paul school board OKs ads at sporting events

Photo: JupiterImages, Photos.com

Aug 22, 2011 at 7:56 am

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The St. Paul school board has agreed to let businesses advertise at school sporting events. It also plans to review a policy that bans ads on school property.

The administration says allowing ads at sporting events could bring in $15,000 per year.

When the proposal was raised at a board meeting this month, it sparked an hour-long debate. Some members worried that the plan would commercialize students' education, while administrators said the money could be put to good use.

Board members ultimately decided to let the district enter into a contract with School Space Media. The St. Paul-based company has proposed placing digital advertising screens at Central, Como and Highland Park high school athletic events.

A Minneapolis Star Tribune report says the district will have to preapprove all ads.