School Board Policy 809 -
Naming School Buildings or Facilities

I. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the naming of school buildings or facilities, including grounds.

II. General Statement of Policy 

The naming of school buildings, major portions of buildings, or school grounds is the responsibility of the White Bear Lake Area Schools School Board and applies to buildings, rooms, internal spaces, landscape features, courts, athletic fields, open spaces, and all other areas owned, operated or controlled by the White Bear Lake Area Schools.

III. Guidelines for Naming of Schools or Facilities

The policy of the School Board is to name school buildings as close as possible to the time construction begins in order to lessen the confusion about the new school.

A. Naming proposals for schools and facilities will be considered at any time, including naming proposals recommended prior to construction, when construction is in progress, or after being acquired by the district.

B. The Superintendent may delegate responsibility to administrative designee(s) or a task force charged with the responsibility of determining the process for soliciting and evaluating names, pursuant to providing a recommendation to the Superintendent and School Board. When a task force is formed:

1. The naming task force will include representatives from the school attendance area (or likely attendance area if boundaries are not yet established at the time of naming), students(s), parents, staff and administration.

2. The task force will provide the opportunity to take recommendations from the public for a period of no less than 21 days.

3. School buildings or facilities may be named after landmarks, locations, or topographical features which have local significance; individuals who have achieved a significant place in school district life, or have local, state, or national significance; or symbols or words that capture the essence for the place or function of the school.

4. The naming task force will submit their top two or more choices to the Superintendent, one of which the Superintendent may present to the Board.

C. Portions of school facilities such as learning commons/media center, theaters, and athletic facilities shall be named according to their educational purpose; however, names of individuals or entities may also be associated with these facility subunits upon designation by the Board.

D. The Superintendent will make a recommendation to the School Board for approval. The decisions of the School Board shall be final.

IV. Honorary Naming of Facilities, Portions of Facilities, and Grounds

At the recommendation of administration, a facility or portion of a facility may be named to recognize an individual or organization that has made a significant and lasting contribution to the district, a school community, or a specific program associate with the space.

A. In evaluating an honorary naming proposal, the Board shall consider:

1. The individual or organization must have had a substantial and positive impact on the district and demonstrated alighmnet with its mission and values. Facilities may also be named to recognize places, programs, or historical features that hold significance to the district community. 

2. Nomination must demonstrate a significant contribution to the district, and all naming decisions remain at the Board's discretion.

3. The Superintendent and School Board will evaluate the proposed name based on the nominee’s significant and long-term relationship with the district, broad community support, and record of achievement or leadership. A former employee must be retired or separated from district employment for at least three years prior to consideration.

V. Honorary Naming Through Financial Contribution

Naming rights may be granted in recognition of financial contributions, including donations, bequests, sponsorships, or other agreements. In considering such requests, the Board shall balance commercial considerations with the district’s identity, mission, and the practical function of facility naming. Application of this policy may result in a facility named for an individual, an organization or a company. The Board will apply the following guidelines in considering the recommendation of any entity proposed for a facility or portion thereof;

A. Monetary valuations may be assigned to proposed naming rights on a case-by-case basis.

B. The Superintendent shall determine proposed valuation ranges for schools and major facility spaces, considering market comparisons and, when appropriate, professional advice.

C. Each granting of naming rights is documented by a written agreement.

VI. Specific Naming Agreement Through Financial Contribution

A. The school district recognizes that circumstances exist when the district might enter into an agreement for the specific naming of a facility or space in exchange for a specific financial or other contribution to the district.

B. Transferability, renewability, and limits:

1. Transferability or renewability must be included in the written agreement. If not specifically identified, naming rights are not transferable or renewable.

2. The district's right to use the name and other brand elements of the named party are permitted by express agreement with the named party.

3. The named party has no decision-making rights as to the purpose or improvement of the facility or space unless specifically provided in the written agreement. The district will not agree to any condition in an agreement that conflicts with the district's mission and purpose, statutory obligation, or the local authority of the School Board.

VII. Renaming and Revocation

The School Board reserves the right to rename any named asset of the district. The Board reserves the right to revoke naming if for any reason it presents risk or harm to the reputation of the school district, or if the intent of the gift or terms of sponsorship associated with the naming cannot be fulfilled.