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Naming of School Buildings and School Grounds
Type: School Board Policy
Section: 100 SCHOOL DISTRICT
Code: 101-2
Adopted Date: 4/11/2016
Revised Dates: 6/13/2019, 5/10/2022, 10/14/2025
Reviewed Dates: 4/12/2022, 5/10/2022, 10/14/2025
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the naming of school buildings and school grounds.
II. GENERAL STATEMENT
The school district recognizes the importance and significance of naming district facilities and educational programs. The district will follow policy procedures when reviewing and acting upon all nominations. (Refer to Administrative Procedure 101-2.A) The school board may elect:
(1) to name facilities or educational programs in recognition of individuals who have attained achievements of extraordinary and lasting distinction or
(2) to enter into contracts to lease naming rights with a sponsoring agent in order to generate alternative sources of revenue for the district.
III. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this policy, the definitions included in this section apply.
A. "Facilities" are school district-owned buildings, properties, and structures, including but not limited to spaces within buildings, outdoor fields, streets, and other areas.
B. "Educational programs" are district-approved learning opportunities that support a specific need or learning goal.
C. "Naming recognition" is naming a facility or educational program in recognition of individuals who have attained achievements of extraordinary and lasting distinction.
D. "Specific naming agreement" is a contract entered into to lease naming rights with a sponsoring agent in order to generate an alternative source of revenue for the district.
IV. AUTHORITY
The School Board exercises approval authority for the naming of all facilities owned, operated, or controlled by Moorhead Area Public Schools. This policy notwithstanding, it is the intent of the school board that naming portions of the building or school grounds occur infrequently and on a limited basis.
V. PROCEDURES FOR NAMING DISTRICT PROPERTY
A. The superintendent will forward to the school board a facility for which a name is sought to be established.
B. At the discretion of the school board, the school board may request that the superintendent convene a committee to study the potential names and make a recommendation. In circumstances of a newly constructed facility, the school board will direct the superintendent or designee to establish such a committee.
C. If a committee is established, the superintendent or designee will be charged with the responsibility of determining a process for soliciting and evaluating names. (Refer to Administrative Procedure 101-2.A) The superintendent will make the final recommendation to the school board for approval. The superintendent will provide the school board with a history of the name recommendation and the rationale supporting it.
VI. NAMING PROCESS AND CRITERIA
A. Naming in Recognition
The school district may name a facility or educational program to recognize outstanding contributions to the district. Naming in recognition of such contributions is at the district's discretion and in support of its mission. When naming a facility or educational program after an individual, consideration will be given to persons who have significance to students, employees, and/or the community. Except in unusual circumstances or for competing reasons, individual names to be considered should be individuals who are deceased. One of the following criteria must be met for naming in recognition:
1. Recognition of outstanding service to the district while serving in an employment capacity, or outstanding service to the Moorhead community, or
2. Recognition of the achievements of distinguished alumni, or
3. Recognition of a generous financial or other contribution from a donor through a donation, bequest, or sponsorship that was not made in exchange for naming a facility or space.
B. Specific Naming Agreement
1. The district recognizes that circumstances exist when the district may enter into an agreement for the specific naming of a facility in exchange for a financial or other contribution to the district. Specific naming rights will not be granted to educational programs. Specific naming agreements must be in writing.
2. The superintendent determines the monetary valuation prior to entering into a specific naming agreement, after consultation with relevant staff or other professionals as needed. Each case should consider market comparisons for naming rights, for which professional advice may be sought.
3. Transferability and Renewability
If a name is granted by a specific naming agreement, those rights may be transferred or renewed if as permitted by the written agreement.
4. Limit of Specific Naming Agreement Rights
a. On the Part of the District
The district's right to use the name and other brand elements of the named party is permitted by the express agreements with the named party.
b. On the Part of the Named Party
The party after whom a facility or space is named has no decision-making rights as to the facility's purpose unless specifically provided for in the written agreement between parties. The district will not agree to any condition in an agreement that could unnecessarily limit progress toward the district's mission and purpose, statutory obligation, or the school board's authority. The named party has no liability with respect to that facility or space unless provided for in a contract between the parties.
5. Termination of Specific Naming Agreements
In addition to any remedies for breach of the written agreement granting naming rights, the parties may terminate a specific naming rights agreement in advance of the scheduled termination date under the following conditions:
a. Termination by the District
The district reserves the right, at its discretion, to terminate the naming rights without refund of consideration, prior to the scheduled termination date, should it feel it is necessary to avoid the district being brought into dispute, as determined by the district.
b. Termination by the Named Party
The named party may, without refund consideration, at its sole discretion, terminate its acceptance of the naming rights prior to the scheduled termination date, in the event that the district directly brings the named party into disrepute.
C. Specific Naming Agreements And Naming in Recognition
1. In naming all facilities, spaces, or specific educational programs, due regard will be taken to maintain an appropriate balance between commercial considerations and the role that names of facilities, spaces, and educational programs contribute to the district's mission.
2. The role played by the name of a facility, space, or educational program in assisting employees, students, and visitors to orient themselves is recognized.
3. Names must always be consistent with the district's mission and vision.
4. The long-term effects of the name must be considered.
5. The department/school affected by the name to be granted will be consulted before any decision is made.
6. The district will not name a facility, space, or educational program without the informed consent of the named party.
7. The district retains all rights to discontinue any name to avoid the district being brought into dispute, as determined by the district.
VII. PERIODIC REVIEW
Periodically, site or facility names shall be reviewed as to their continued appropriateness. If a particular name is no longer appropriate, the school board reserves the right to remove it.
