801.6 NAMING OF FACILITIES

The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear, fair, and consistent process for naming and renaming school District facilities and spaces. This policy ensures that naming decisions reflect the values, mission, and long-term interests of the Emmetsburg CSD and its community. The School Board retains final authority for the naming and renaming of all District-owned facilities and spaces.

 

For purposes of this policy:

• “Facilities: are district owned buildings and properties which could include the following: school buildings, wings, classrooms, gyms, auditoriums, athletic fields, stadiums, libraries, streets, and other permanent or semi-permanent District-owned spaces.

• “Naming Rights in Consideration”: is recognition for financial contributions, sponsorship or other commercial transactions.

• “Naming Rights in Recognition”: is recognition of a significant contribution to the school district that the district wishes to honor. 

 

Naming decisions shall:

1. Align with the District’s mission, vision, and educational values.

2. Reflect integrity, inclusiveness, and community pride.

3. Be made with consideration of the long-term impact on students, staff, and the community.

4. Avoid commercial advertising or endorsements

 

Facilities or spaces may be named in recognition of:

1. Individuals who have made exceptional and enduring contributions to the School District, public education, or the community.

2. Deceased individuals whose service and legacy reflect favorably on the District.

3. Donors who make significant financial or in-kind contributions to the District, subject to Board approval and the general guidelines listed below.

 

Facilities or spaces shall not be named for:

• Current School Board members, District employees, or elected officials while in active service. Individuals can still be active (volunteer/mentor) within the District but not employed by the District.

• Individuals, organizations, or entities whose actions, values, or reputation are inconsistent with the mission or best interests of the District.

 

General Guidelines

1. Donor naming opportunities are intended to recognize extraordinary financial or material contributions that substantially benefit the District. (program start up, state championships, superior winning percentage, ect.)

2. Naming rights do not confer ownership, control, or decision-making authority over District facilities, programs, or operations.

3. All donor naming agreements shall comply with Board policy and shall be approved by the School Board.

 

The duration of naming rights shall be proportionate to the value of a donation, endowment or other significant contributions to a school. For buildings and components of buildings, the School Board recognizes two types of naming rights, short-term and long-term naming rights. The provisions for each are outlined as follows:

a.       Short-Term Naming Rights. Short-term naming rights shall be valid for a period of up to ten years, unless otherwise specified by the School Board at the time of approval.

b.      Long-Term Naming Rights. In addition to the other naming opportunities provided in this policy, buildings may be named after a donor for more than 10 years but not to exceed 40 years, unless approved otherwise by the Board, provided that a substantial sum is placed in an endowment to benefit the school long-term. 

 

Minimum Contribution and Terms

1. The School Board may establish minimum contribution thresholds, duration of naming recognition, and other conditions on a case-by-case basis.

2. Naming recognition may be granted for a defined term rather than in perpetuity.

3. The District retains the right to remove or alter donor recognition if the terms of the agreement are not fulfilled or if continued recognition is no longer in the best interests of the District.

 

The School Board reserves the right to revoke donor naming if the donor’s actions, public conduct, or affiliations become inconsistent with District values or negatively affect the District’s reputation.

 

Naming proposals may be submitted by Board members, administrators, staff, students, parents, or community members. Proposals shall be submitted in writing to the Superintendent and include:

• Name and contact information of the proposer

• Proposed name

• Facility to be named

• Rationale and supporting documentation

• Any relevant historical or biographical information

 

Review Process 

1. The Superintendent shall review the proposal for completeness and compliance with this policy.

2. The proposal may be referred to an advisory committee for review and recommendation. Community input may be solicited when appropriate.

3. The Superintendent shall forward a recommendation to the School Board.

 

The School Board shall consider naming proposals at a regular or special meeting. Approval shall require a majority vote of the Board.

 

Renaming may be considered when:

• New information arises that conflicts with District values.

• Significant changes occur in the use or purpose of the facility.

• Community interests strongly support reconsideration.

 

The same procedures outlined in this policy shall apply to re-naming requests.

Upon approval, the District shall determine appropriate recognition, signage, and communication. 

 

Costs associated with naming or renaming shall be identified prior to final approval.

 

Approved: 3/25/26                     Reviewed:                                   Revised: