Signage could help pay for Somerset school activities

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Somerset High School is following the growing trend of selling signage in different strategic areas around the school district in an attempt to raise additional funds.

The idea was brought forward by Somerset Director of Programs Bill Roll. The plan is to sell advertising spots on athletic schedules, game programs, along the fence around the football and soccer fields and around the scoreboards in the middle school and high school gyms. Letters were sent out to area businesses last week to see what level of interest there is in the community.

“It’s always been in the back of my mind to do to generate extra revenue,” Roll said. “I had it in mind when I interviewed here.”

Roll said he hoped any money raised would go toward items in athletics and activities that don’t fall under normal budget items.

“It’s more for capital budget facility improvement and upkeep,” Roll said.

The athletic department has a history of fundraising to pay for upgrades on the school property. At the March Board of Education meeting, a plan was approved to install irrigation at the football practice field. All this work will be paid for by money raised by the athletic department, mainly through volunteers donating their time to work at WIAA tournament events.

The irrigation will benefit many groups. The practice field is used in a number of ways, from being a middle school playground area, for middle school gym classes, for marching band practices, youth soccer games and high school and middle school track meets.

The sponsorships are done at several price levels and package options. Businesses will be recognized based upon their sponsorship level. For the lower levels, they will get their business names on schedules or in game programs. For the upper levels, they can have advertising signs placed around gym scoreboards, or along the fences of the football and/or soccer fields.

“The community businesses have supported us a lot. This makes an easy avenue for them to do it. This gives them the recognition and hopefully people will patronize them,” Roll said.

Anyone who wasn’t contacted but would be interested in a sponsorship can contact Roll at Somerset High School (715-247-3355).

Tags: somerset schools, communities, education, somerset