Naming rights donation made; MCSD hopes it is first of many

     The plaque, 4-by-8 inches, rests above a door leading to the Monticello Community School District Superintendent’s Office.

     It reads: “Superintendent’s Office – Generously Sponsored By: Charlie, Pat, Chad and Nikki Becker.”

     It is the first of what the district hopes will be many naming rights sponsorships to come for buildings, rooms, athletic and fine arts facilities, concession stands and other areas throughout the district.

     Following a format established by Camp Courageous, those naming rights are up for donation by individuals or organizations for varying amounts.

     It is a way not only to establish partnerships between the district and the community, but also to raise funds for the district.

     The Becker family offered to donate $10,000 for the naming rights to the Superintendent’s Office. Under district policy, each request is considered on a case-by-case basis, and must be approved twice by the Board of Education. The second approval for the Becker donation happened at the Jan. 25 board meeting.

     Donation suggestions from the district range from $10,000 for places such as the Transition School Building, locker rooms, and general classrooms, to $50,000 for the middle school library, high school tennis courts and school hallways, to $100,000 for the high school library, to $250,000 for the high school auditorium, to $500,000 for either the high school or middle school gym, up to $1 million for either the high school or middle school building.

     For his part, Charlie Becker said his family’s donation was made largely because of positive experiences he and his family have had within the MCSD.

     “I felt Monticello was an exceptional community to raise a family, and that was very important to us,” Becker explained in a letter about the donation. “Both our children received an excellent education in the Monticello school system.

     “For me, personally, the more I have given, the more it has come back to me many times over. Hopefully this gift will inspire others to invest in the future, by investing in students, today.”