Policy 2.13

Advertising in Schools or on School Property

Schools are discouraged from using their facilities for advertising or otherwise promoting the interests of commercial, political, or other non-school agency, individual or organization except that advertising in facilities may be permitted when the benefits received outweigh the risk of exploitation of or by such advertisement or promotion. Schools are prohibited from using their facilities as forums for partisan political activity. The District prohibits advertisements which promote the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco products.

The use of advertising materials within schools should be kept to a minimum and in compliance with the rules established by the school principal.

1. If it is the policy of the school to allow advertising, the school principal shall establish procedures by which advertisements may be displayed. Principals do retain the right to refuse advertising which is obscene or offends the morals and/or conscience of the school community.
   
   In considering the appropriateness of advertising, principals shall adhere to the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees. Principals are subject to the provisions of Chapter 112 which prohibits the misuse of a public position and limits the use of information which is not available to members of the general public and which is used for a person's personal gain or benefit or that of any other person or business entity.
   
   In those instances when advertising is permitted, the school principal shall consider community input, local rules and regulations governing outdoor advertising.

2. School officials may cooperate with governmental agencies or charitable organizations in promoting activities in the general public's interest or in furthering the work of any nonprofit community-wide social service agency, provided that such cooperation does not restrict or interfere with the educational program of the school provided that school facilities are not used for partisan political activity.

3. A school may use film, videotape, or other educational materials bearing mention of the producing firm. The film, videotape or material shall be carefully evaluated by the school principal or the principal's designee for classroom use.

4. The Area Executive Director or principal may announce or authorize the announcement of any lecture or community activity of particular educational merit.

5. Demonstrations of educational materials and equipment shall be permitted only with the approval and through the arrangement of the school principal.

6. Advertisements may appear under these conditions:

1. On School District property, if deemed appropriate by the principal.

2. On billboards and vending machines located on School District property.

3. In school publications such as newsletters, newspapers, yearbooks, and graduation programs.

4. Through communication with business partnerships.

7. School District employees shall not give written or oral endorsement to any company representative for any periodical, book, or product which may be offered for sale to students, parents, or schools.

8. In situations which may involve the use of advertisements, such as on athletic fields, gyms, and auditoriums, the acceptance of a gift may justify the display of the donor's name.

9. For donations or gifts in excess of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), acknowledgments or advertisements of the donation or gift must be made in accordance with District guidelines established by the Superintendent.