As Pasadena ISD school buses roll out in August to signal the start of the 2009-2010 school year, they will sport new signage. 

In March, the Pasadena ISD school board decided to pursue the possibility of selling appropriate advertising on its school buses because of the budget crisis that the district faces due to the current funding inequity from the state.  

Pasadena ISD is partnering with Steep Creek Media to sell the advertising for the 2009-2010 school year that will be placed on our buses. With over 250 buses traveling throughout the area, this initiative has the potential of generating hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars over the next few years to benefit students — and at no additional cost to district taxpayers. 

This new medium for advertising offers community members the opportunity to support the district while building brand awareness and promoting their businesses. Every ad will be reviewed by the district to ensure that it is appropriate for our children and community. In addition, the state has established guidelines for advertisements related to safety, such as size and placement. The areas on the bus that are specified for advertisements do not create a traffic hazard. 

District officials said that funding public schools continues to be an issue that must be addressed on the state level, but until then Pasadena ISD, like other districts around us, is looking for additional funding sources such as this one that can be of mutual benefit to both students and community businesses. 

Information about advertising possibilities is posted on the Steep Creek Media website at www.steepcreekmedia.com.