Is Selling Advertising Space In Public Schools Enough To Get Quality Education?
Posted on 10/21/2011 @ 02:37 PM
By David Abrams, State Coordinator, North Florida
david.abrams@childrensmovementflorida.org
I read an interesting Editorial in the Miami Herald yesterday morning regarding the idea of selling advertising space in public schools. It would include allowing advertisers to buy naming rights (e.g. cafeterias, buses, athletic fields, gymnasiums, and district or school websites). This Herald Editorial was based on the challenges that the Miami-Dade & Broward county school districts are up against as we approach another year of state budget cuts. The article did acknowledge the difficult times by saying that,"getting advertisers' money could help schools save arts programs, employ tutors or more teachers." However the overall opinion in this piece was stated clearly that "the districts should not compromise young, receptive minds for a few extra bucks. It's a slippery slope."
Miami-Dade superintendent, Alberto Carvalho, supports advertising in schools as long as it does not cross ethical lines and is kept away from hallways & classrooms. The Broward school District is actually eying the success that the Orange County public school district (Orlando) has had selling ad space & naming rights, while raising close to $500,000 in 2 years. Obviously, both districts will look at models that will avoid negative advertising ( No Tobacco, Adult Content, Gambling, Alcohol, etc.) and stick to positive messages. Florida Law currently prohibits the display of advertisements on the outside of school buses, but bills to repeal the ban are in the legislature.
The Editorial concluded by stating "the districts must have tight rules that ensure young minds are not being bombarded with ads when they should be focused on learning." I personally think it is sad that a state like Florida will not appropriately fund our Public school system. So if a little advertising is what it takes for our children to get a quality education, then I'm all for it!
Interested in your thoughts
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