Plan calls on private sector for funds

Parent: Trade naming rights for improved public schools

901-529-2372

Private schools do it. Public colleges. The University of Memphis.

So why couldn’t public elementary, middle and high schools improve their facilities through the generosity of donors, and in return, adorn the new addition with the benefactor’s name?

That’s the idea that propelled White Station High School parent Richard Myers to spend the last year pulling together nonprofits, legal contracts and architectural plans to improve his son’s school along with Whitehaven High.

Myers, a lawyer with Glankler Brown, is just a few steps from making his vision a reality, at least as a pilot program. Last October, with Myers’ intentions known, the Shelby County Schools Board of Education changed its policy to allow the sale of naming rights.

Myers hopes to appear before the board’s facilities committee this month seeking approval to implement his plan with a library, outdoor courtyard and classroom addition at White Station. If board members approve, he can start approaching donors. Once he receives full funding, he can start turning dirt. If White Station goes well, he’ll move to projects at Whitehaven.

“My friends have all told me that the pressure is on,” Myers said. “If I screw up, if I don’t make it work on this first project, it’s not going to work.”

That’s because, despite some interest nationally in the idea,