Clay County High School receiving a new digital sign after the school board agreed to move forward with a bank-sponsored replacement for the school’s aging display.
The unit installed in 2009 is no longer supported by modern software. The 10-year agreement calls for the bank to provide new equipment and a cellular connection that will allow the school to update the display. The school system would be responsible for maintaining the sign after installation.
“My opinion is spending $30,000 of our taxpayer money on a sign doesn’t really help educate our kids,” Director Benji Bailey said. “If the bank is willing to do this, I’m very grateful.”
Board members discussed how much control the school would have over content displayed on the sign, including whether other businesses could be recognized for sponsoring school events. Nathan Sherrell suggested addressing that issue through a non-compete provision in the agreement.
“It’s a small town, there’s two banks and we get along really well together, but I wouldn’t want it to be up there all the time,” West said. “I do think that we solely want that sign.”
Bailey said the final cost could exceed the $30,000 estimate because of the larger digital display. West said the bank’s existing relationship with the sign company could also reduce the project’s cost.
The board voted to proceed with the proposal. A formal contract will return to the board for review at a future meeting.