A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Board of Public Education to allow commercial advertising in school buses.

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated §49-6-2110 enables local school districts to allot space on the exterior or interior of schools buses for the purpose of commercial advertising; and

WHEREAS, such advertisements cannot advertise alcohol or tobacco products; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County is expecting a budget gap of approximately $85 million for the next fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, school districts across the country have found that school bus advertising provides an additional source of revenue that can help alleviate budgetary constraints; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education could establish a committee to review all advertisements before they are placed in the buses to ensure that the content is appropriate for children; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of the Metropolitan Government that the Board of Education allow and encourage commercial advertising in school buses.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Board of Public Education to allow commercial advertising in school buses.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Board of Public Education is further requested to respond to the Council within sixty (60) days from the date of the adoption of this Resolution as to the feasibility of and/or action taken in compliance with the request in Section 1 hereof.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Metropolitan Board of Public Education and to the Director of Schools, Dr. Pedro Garcia.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.