Schools+Explore+Advertising+For+Extra+Revenue

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It’s a discussion Superintendent Bruce Watkins says he’d prefer not to have, but he said selling ads may be more acceptable than some of the budget reductions that might otherwise have to be made.
==St. Francis became the first school district in Minnesota to sell advertising on lockers, walls and open spaces and made national news doing it. Becker, about 18 miles southeast of St. Cloud, approved a similar measure in December and is waiting for the first set of ads to be installed. Centennial in Circle Pines and Monticello school district, about 40 miles southeast of St. Cloud, looked at it but decided against it or to at least wait.== ==Now Watkins, who leads a district facing a budget shortfall of $1.5 million to $3 million for its 2011-2012 school year and another shortfall the following year, plans to bring the idea to the seven-member school board Wednesday. Twice the issue has popped up before the board’s finance committee without gaining much traction.==

Looking for help
==In Becker, the school district has a contract with School Media of Coon Rapids for advertising on lockers, benches, floors, walls and open spaces, said Superintendent Steve Malone, who is in his first year. Becker is looking to close a $900,000 shortfall. The district is expected to receive $140,000 under the contract.==

The ads that will appear in all four Becker schools are limited to health and wellness topics. A committee of parents, teachers and administrators must approve every ad, Malone said.
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