Procedure 6023 - Community Partnerships, Commercial Activities, And Vending Contracts
District and individual school programs, including student activities, may require financial support beyond what is provided by state, local, and federal resources. Therefore, it is important that the district build partnerships with the community, businesses, and schools such that business leaders, educators, parents, community members, and district officials work together to embrace practical, responsible revenue generating community partnerships and commercial activities that benefit the community and students of Richland School District.
School-based community/business partnerships should be based on sound principles governing commercial activities that contribute to a high quality education. Any commercial activity involving the district or individual school(s) programs must be consistent with the law, board policies, the district’s mission, strategic plan, and educational goals.
Revenues derived through corporate, business, or other third party non-district organizations shall be used to enhance student achievement, enrich educational and/or extra-curricular experiences, provide training for staff, or sustain quality learning environments and opportunities.
Instructional Time
Under no circumstances may community partnerships, commercial activities, and/or advertising take away from instructional time.
Advertising
The district may allow advertising in specified school and/or district areas, in publications, at special activities and/or events, and on certain materials and clothing products. This includes names of corporate sponsors and/or donors. If a sponsor’s corporate logo, name, or trademark is used, it must include the appropriate legal copyright and/or trademark notification. Basic types of advertising may include, but are not limited to, advertising on scoreboards and/or billboards in athletic areas, posters, pamphlets, book covers, district websites, school television channel, and in publications. In no instance shall the district accept advertising for alcohol, tobacco, drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons, violence, gambling, pornographic or illegal materials, or materials which represent these in a positive light. Advertisements may be rejected by the district if determined by the superintendent or designee(s) to be inconsistent with educational objectives of the district.
The inclusion of advertisements in district publications, in district facilities, or on district property does not constitute approval and/or endorsement of any product, organization, or activity.
Corporate and Individual Sponsorships
Corporations and individuals may sponsor educational events, activities, programs, contests, extracurricular activities, sporting events and/or teams. The district may acknowledge the sponsorship by allowing promotional messaging or brand names on the materials and/or items associated with the activities and may include, but are not limited to, sponsor’s name, corporate logo, and/or trademarks.
Donations
The district or individual school(s) may acknowledge a donation it has received from an organization by displaying a “donated by” or a similar by-line with the organization’s name and/or symbol on the item. All guidelines established in policy and regulation 6114, Gifts, as it relates to this regulation, must be followed.
Publications
School publications, including, but not limited to, programs, calendars, yearbooks and event programs, may accept and publish paid advertising provided they receive advanced approval from the appropriate school administrator.
At the building level, the school administrator is responsible for screening all such advertising for appropriateness, including compliance with district policies prohibiting sexual, racial, and religious harassment. In no instance shall schools accept advertising for alcohol, tobacco, drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons, violence, gambling, pornographic or illegal materials, or materials which represent these in a positive light.
For district publications, the Communications Office is responsible for screening all such advertising.
Electronic Communications
Electronic communication, including, but not limited to, websites, videos, and television programs, created for or by the district may solicit or accept program sponsorship labeling/messaging, commercial, or nonprofit advertising in support of such programming.
Companies/nonprofit groups must have written permission from the district in advance. The Communications Office is responsible for screening all advertising in district electronic communication.
Clothing
School and extra-curricular activity uniforms (official or otherwise) shall not carry commercial or nonprofit advertising or promotional emblems except for those manufacturer’s logos as allowed by the National Federation of State High School Association, Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) rules, and approved by the superintendent or designee(s).
Accounting
All advertising revenues must be accounted for, deposited, and reported in the appropriate district bank account, designated trust account, fund, or foundation. Appropriate accounting codes and/or accounts will be established and recorded to the appropriate accounts as determined by the district’s financial office.
Guidelines for District Evaluation Process
Each community partnership and/or commercial activity including advertising and corporate and individual sponsorships will be reviewed and approved by the superintendent or designee(s).
The following information below will be considered if the opportunity is appropriate:
- The community partnership and/or commercial activity will promote the development of student or staff learning, skills, interest or participation in school and extracurricular activities.
- The community partnership and/or commercial activity has a direct and/or measurable impact on learning.
- The community partnership and/or commercial activity supports the construction of or sustainability of district facilities, stadiums, or athletic fields.
- The community partnership and/or commercial activity is open to all students who can appropriately participate, without being capped or limited in a manner that discriminates against any student or groups of students.
- The community partnership and/or commercial activity is not detrimental to the health and well-being of students or staff.
- The community partnership and/or commercial activity does not require students to watch/read advertisements in order to use materials/equipment.
- The community partnership and/or commercial activity should not require or entice students to purchase products or require teachers, students, and/or parents/guardians to promote these products.