The School Board has supported a new policy barring people from paying to have a school facility named after themselves, but allowing the board to assign names on a temporary basis if they contribute a significant amount of money.
"The naming rights can't be bought, but they can be rented, " said Dr. Joseph Guzman (Sugarland), a School Board member. "There might be times when we want to accept money for the name."
The new policy, to be voted on at the next School Board meeting on May 25, said school facilities such as gymnasiums, playing fields, libraries and science labs plus programs may be named in recognition of significant educational contributions.
Chairman John Andrews (Potomac) credited School Board member Bob Ohneiser (Broad Run) with initiating the idea. "I also believe there are opportunities to utilize this in the future besides recognizing individuals, but also to generate income."
He said the need for a large, centralized regional athletic facility might benefit from the policy. "It's not something I feel comfortable asking the taxpayers to do," he said. "It's going to take a big sponsor," Andrews said.
Priscilla Godfrey (Blue Ridge) said a large centralized theater also would fit the mold.
IN OTHER BUSINESS on Tuesday, the School Board accepted a 112-acre tract of land for a future high school that was provided as a proffer. Toll Brothers, Inc. donated the land as part of its proffers for the Loudoun Valley Estates II rezoning.
In honor of National Physical Education Month, Hillside physical education teachers Jenny Aubel and Joy Griffith and students presented the School Board with pedometers. They also registered the board members as students at the Walk Smart Virginia web site. The board and students will be keeping track of how many steps they take and chart them.
"Remember, be active for a lifetime," Aubel said.
Andrews said the timing was good, because the board discussed how to address the country's obesity problem during a retreat last week.
The School Board recognized the Broad Run High School Debate Team, which won the state title for the ninth time in 13 years. Debate coach Ron Richards said he has devoted 20 years of his life to the Broad Run debate team. Visibly proud, he introduced each member.
The board also recognized Harper Park Middle School for winning the 2004 Spring Regional Stock Market Game. The competition featured 588 teams.
Hatrick reported that members of his staff have attended the county proms since complaints rose over freak dancing and improper dancing at one of the high schools. The outcome has been better, he said.
Andrew said the board at its June 8 meeting will discuss its ability to condemn land when it needs to acquire a school site.