Timetable established for video scoreboards at H-M-S

The process of marketing and developing video scoreboards for athletic facilities at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School took another step forward with establishment of the project timetable.

The timetable developed by Daktronics was reviewed by the school board on Monday. It outlines responsibilities of the company and the district, and sets a target date of the fall of 2025 to have video scoreboards ready for use.

Daktronics will provide quotes for equipment desired by the district and price points for sponsorships based on equipment and marketing elements. H-M-S is responsible for identifying prospective sponsors and inviting them to a presentation on Feb. 20.

The company will develop invitations for that presentation, the marketing plan and information for sales presentations; the district will follow up with sponsors and collect marketing agreements. Video scoreboard equipment will be ordered after the necessary revenue is generated through sponsorship agreements.

“We’re going to keep moving forward,” Superintendent Patrick Carlin said. “Eighty invitations will be sent and we hope to get 20-30 businesses or more.”

The timetable sets spring/summer of 2025 as the time for installation of video boards and training for their use.

• Open campus, other business

In other business, the board approved open campus for seniors, which begins on Jan. 21; renewed the agreement with Digital Solutions for individual student pictures for a three-year period; removed May 23 as a snow day as it is the scheduled last day of school; and accepted an early graduation request from a student who is moving from the district and wishes to graduate from H-M-S.

The resignation of Lori Lux as a food service worker, effective at the end of the school year, was accepted. Carlin said that depending upon the number of applicants, the district may hire two people. One would fill Lux’s position and the second would be a transition to the time when other nutrition workers retire.

All H-M-S first graders will receive special packs of 10 books twice during the school year. Principal Ashley Benz said the books will provide students with fun stories to help them practice important reading skills they learn in school. Teachers will decide which books are appropriate for each child.

Seventh and eighth grade Hawk Ready classes had an opportunity to ask questions and learn from a panel of business professionals from the community. Topics included communication, problem solving and collaboration.

High school students will again begin the second semester with a college and career expo. Students will be broken into groups based on age to learn from local business professionals, community members and recent H-M-S graduates.

“This event presents a fantastic opportunity to boost the relationship between the high school and the community, as well as provide our students with some real-world examples of what is out there for them,” said Principal Blake Wendt.