Santa Rosa schools look at paid naming rights

<p>Santa Rosa City Schools is pursuing paid naming rights and sponsorships on physical buildings as well as events and academic programs as it deals with a budget deficit that could reach $13.9 million in 2011-12.</p><p>On Wednesday, trustees were given a glimpse into what could be: paid broadcasts of athletic and theater events, sponsored classes like culinary arts and advertisements on school websites.</p><p>Trustees expressed favor for working with an asset management firm to coordinate potential sponsorships on a commission-only basis.</p><p>Last September, the board adopted a policy regulating how potential sponsorships will be handled and prohibited sex, violence, discrimination, alcohol, tobacco, firearms and drugs from any ad.</p><p>The board will review every proposal and retains the right to accept or reject any corporate, commercial or promotional sponsorship.</p><p>While allowing sponsorships for some facilities is possible, the board is not considering renaming entire schools.</p><p>“I am not in favor of renaming any schools,” said President Bill Carle. “Staff has never said that, but for whatever reason, that comes up. That has never been anywhere near the concept.”</p>