More Information Coming on Turf Field Naming Rights, Full Day Kindergarten

8:05 p.m. to 8:35 p.m.  (65:26 to 95:10)

Superintendent Dr. Frank Tiano gave an update for the board on a potential suitor for naming rights regarding the new turf fields at Simonian Stadium and McCarthy Middle School.

Tiano said that a recent field deal in Haverhill was used as the guidelines, and indicated that due to the price tag, a request for proposal (RFP) would need to be made, which would be presented to the board on Dec. 3

Finalizations were being made on where logos would be placed, although it was not disclosed who the potential applicant was due to the open bidding process that would need to occur.

Rigney discussed the possibility of putting a billboard on the home stands, as a billboard near the highway would likely not be allowed following discussions in recent years prohibiting billboards on school property.

School Committee member Evelyn Thoren urged caution on naming rights to avoid confusion over the name of the playing area, requesting a more black and white naming policy.

There was also a discussion over whether naming rights should be given to corporations or just the individual who provides the funding as well as whether naming was different than advertising and limitations on which companies can be involve in naming rights as some companies may be inappropriate, with Victoria’s Secret being used as an example.

It was made clear that the name of the stadia itself would not be changed

 8:35 p.m. to 9:44 p.m. (95:10 to 104:05)

Superintendent Tiano provided a proposed working timeline for a concrete plan on full day Kindergarten next year in Chelmsford.

A committee was put together after earlier discussions and grants were investigated, but no grant money or Chapter 70 assistance is expected.

Estimates on costs are expected on Dec. 3, with refinements to be made at later Finance Committee meetings and after the Governor’s budget is released, with a  final vote expected in January by the School Committee.

Tiano warned that costs would be significant and information would need to be presented to the School Committee soon on that point.

Other information upcoming relates to staffing needs, furniture needs, transportation costs and other items.

Rigney made comments on children who walk with parents to schools now and timing relating to when parents look for kindergartens to place their children.

Tiano said that parents would be informed immediately following any decisions that are made.