Tampa, Florida -- When the price is right, a company can buy naming rights to a hockey arena (Tampa Bay Times Forum), a football stadium (Raymond James Stadium) and even a performing arts center named after a top contributor (David A. Straz, Jr. Center).
So why not sell naming rights to public school cafeterias?
"The object is to promote healthy eating, because obesity is a problem in our schools because of cuts backs cutbacks to physical education," said Florida Representative Irv Slosberg.
The Democrat from Boca Raton is proposing the bill called the Student Nutrition Enhancement Act. Slosberg said in a tough economy, selling naming rights to a school cafeteria may help financially.
"We don't want to raise taxes, we don't want to raise fees, we don't want to cut education. There's no way around it, you have to be creative about how we can generate revenue," said Slosberg. "We got to do what we got to do or else we have to lay off teachers or cut back on programs like physical education."
HB 1137 would give school district officials the flexibility to set its own policy from determining price or what kind of business is appropriate to name a school cafeteria after. But that's where some say the process may be challenging if not controversial.
"Kids are going to be here a majority of their time and if they are going to be influenced by a product, make it a product we can support that's a healthy choice," said Colleen Faucett, principal of Wilson Middle School in South Tampa.
While school principals have their concerns some parents are divided.
"We are at a point where we have to figure out what will work to get money for our schools they don't have much at all," said Tampa parent Jodi Walther.
Nell Abram is opposed to selling naming rights to school districts.
"I think allowing private entities to purchase naming rights to our public school facilities in any way, shape, or form is simply one more step in the slippery slope of privatization and corporatization of our public education system," said Abram. "Public education spaces should be just about that education only and not advertising."
If the bill passes, businesses can start bidding for that school cafeteria name July 1.
Representative Slosberg said money from the naming rights to school cafeterias can also be used to fund lunches for needy kids. He also said school districts would be able to opt out of the program.
The representative said he envisions companies such as gyms, doctor's office and day camps to buy the naming rights to a school cafeteria. Slosberg has also proposed a bill to allow the sale of ads on school buses and sell naming rights to state trails, parks and greenways.
Isabel Mascarenas