Web advertising and e-com-merce are about to go the way of the Coke machine and wrapping paper when it comes to schools.
The Jordan Board of Education is discussing guidelines for placing banner ads and links to Internet retail and educational services on school Web sites. Board members hope the tactic can create a cash cow for student programs.
Jordan isn't the only one exploring online fund raising. Some Davis schools also are checking out other Web options in hopes of bringing home the bacon for schools without turning students into peddlers.
"Everyone in our district is very interested," said Jordan High principal Marilyn Richards. "The potential is really almost unlimited."
Utah schools are no stranger to advertisers. Soda machines are as common as trophy cases in high school hallways. Company logos are emblazoned on scoreboards and outdoor banners. Sales pitches can be found inside some bathroom stall doors, ensuring a captive audience if for only a minute. Morning "Channel One" newscasts pause for trendy brand names.
Schools say they need the money from the ads to fund student programs, but some folks worry about exposing children to ads while in a supposed safe haven for learning.
But in a state where about one-fourth of the population is school age and where schools receive the fewest per-student dollars in the country, districts forge ahead — with caution.
"We need all the help we can get," said Brighton High principal Bob Sproul, who hopes to incorporate local company ad banners "as a source of income like many other Web sites." Revenue would fund trips to tournaments and enrichment activities for groups such as the Model United Nations and drama club.
A Jordan a committee of parents, principals and district and business representatives proposed guidelines to the board in a Tuesday study session. Suggestions include requiring advertisers to have a working partnership with the schools and prohibiting links that would encourage behavior inappropriate for students.
"I won't sit here and let people take advantage of us financially," school board president Ralph Haws said. "They need to stand arm-in-arm with us and talk about how we're going to fund education."
School bosses also fear losing control over sites students link to from school computers.
That also is shared by Davis School District, where some schools allow advertisers to buy screen savers on school computers.
"What we like about it is it raises money for schools but doesn't allow students to hot-link to that site," district spokesman Chris Williams said. The district and a company hired to sell ads split the revenue.
Web ad fees for Jordan District haven't been determined. The board is expected to further discuss and vote on the issue next month.
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