The Beverly Public Schools Finance & Facilities committee voted unanimously April 30 to allow the district’s athletic department to solicit and collect revenue from advertising on surfaces surrounding or adjacent to athletic fields and courts, and to deposit proceeds into the athletic revolving fund. The committee voted 4-0 to forward the proposal to the full School Committee for a first reading.

The committee said the plan would focus on temporary signage — such as vinyl or yard signs on field fences — rather than permanent namings. Athletic Director Ryan Wood told the panel that a nearby district’s field renovation and advertising program produced about $30,000 to $35,000 in its first year, a figure he called “peaked my interest.”

Committee members discussed policy, scope and coordination with existing boosters. Chair Rachel Abel said the goal was to authorize solicitation under the existing policy framework and report back to the full committee. Dr. Jeffrey Silva, a School Committee member, said the fundraising could be seasonal and should coordinate with booster activities to avoid duplication.

Wood described likely placements as perimeter fencing and other surfaces adjacent to the sports venues, and emphasized the intent to keep signage “clear, concise, and uniform.” Members and staff noted existing district rules on naming and advertising (policy KHB) and said the committee would outline allowable locations and advertising standards before permanent approvals.

The motion approved by the Finance & Facilities committee said the revenue would be collected by the athletic department and deposited into the athletic revolving fund “for the same use and purpose.” The committee voted 4-0 in favor and will present the matter to the Committee of the Whole at its next meeting.

If the full School Committee approves the change, the athletic department plans a solicitation program scoped to athletic fields and courts; the committee said other surfaces (for example, buses or facilities controlled by third parties) would require separate review and approvals.

Background: the district already runs a limited number of sponsorships for seasonal athletic fundraisers; the new proposal would create a formal solicitation process managed under district policy and centralized through the athletic revolving fund.