‘It’s the real thing,’Coca-Cola helps with school sign

By a 7-0 vote on Monday night, the Brandon School Board OK’d a gift from Coca-Cola of $14,000 to help purchase the school sign located at the entrance of the Brandon High School along M-15.
Gary Kelley, Brandon Schools interim assistant superintendent, said the sign cost $47,250 and was installed this past summer. Other funding for the sign came from private gifts to the district, in addition to student parking fees charged to high school juniors and seniors.
Tom Miller, Brandon Schools superintendent, said the district has no obligation to promote Coca-Cola products, including advertising or verbal announcements. The district does sell non-carbonated Coca-Cola products which includes bottled water and fruit juices. The products are available for students in school buildings.
The scrolling sign is used by the district for school announcements, including sporting events and other school activities.