By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A committee has been formed to consider a policy for naming rights or sponsorships of Hays USD 489 facilities and events.
However, any recommendations from the committee will be put on hold until spring, after the winter sports season.
The school board heard a report on the committee's work at its work session on Monday.
The district formed the committee after Golden Belt Bank offered $200,000 for the naming rights for the new Hays High School football stadium.
The board voted to allow that offer to expire.
The committee is made up of school board members, USD 489 staff and community members.
School board member Ruth Ruder said the committee is not in a rush, but she believes community members are interested in contributing money to the district for sponsorship opportunities.
At a previous school board meeting, board members discussed designating sponsorship funds to cover capital purchases, including the replacement of turf, which will be needed within the next eight years.
Although much of the initial focus was on athletic events and facilities, the board has also discussed sponsorships related to the arts, including a sponsorship of Hays High's new performing arts center.
The district has even been approached about sponsorships of individual classrooms, Ruder said.
School Board President Curt Vajnar said the committee members suggested contracts in the three- to five-year range and were not considering lifetime contracts.
School board member Derek Yarmer asked if the board would have the authority to refuse sponsors that members believed did not align with the district's mission.
Bill Jeter, the district's attorney, said accepting sponsorship contracts would be up to the discretion of the board.
Yarmer said, "I think it's good that we slowed it down. It might turn into something better."