Flint-area school district mulls ads on buses

by The Associated Press

Sunday September 07, 2008, 10:19 AM

GOODRICH, Mich. - Children in Goodrich may soon have a new companion on the trip to school -- targeted advertising.

Looking to raise extra revenue in a tough economy, the Goodrich School District is one of several districts approached by a Davison advertising agency about putting ads inside school buses.

"I'm not real big on advertising on buses, that's my personal opinion, but the district does have to take a look at different ways of increasing revenues," Superintendent Larry Allen told The Flint Journal for a story Saturday.

Under the proposal, a school district panel would screen and approve the ads. Once approved, 20 ads would be put inside the bus above the windows.

The district wouldn't have to put up any money for the project, and a percentage of the profits would go to the schools.

Several districts around the country have tried to make school-bus ads work. In Michigan, the Ypsilanti School District has tried advertising on buses but has decided not to renew the contract because of lackluster returns.

Parents in Goodrich are divided on the issue.

"I don't care how much money it would generate, there should be no advertising on the buses," said parent Mark Griffiths. "These kids are bombarded with advertising already. The buses should be a safe haven. Every time you turn on the TV there's advertising for kids. ... I don't think we need any more of it."

Sheryl Schoenemann, who has three children in Goodrich schools, said she wouldn't mind the ads, as long as the content is clean.

"I think it would be OK as long as it is age appropriate," she said.