Operating Amp Lab at Electric Works doesn’t come cheap.
Fort Wayne Community Schools faces annual costs of about $2.2 million and, as officials have said, the high school program doesn’t add to FWCS’ enrollment, which would generate more tuition support dollars from the state.
That’s why the district last year began accepting corporate sponsorships for naming rights lasting five years. So far, three entities have each agreed to sponsor one of Amp Lab’s four educational studios for $625,000.
Although that approach represents a first in FWCS’ more than 160-year history, districts elsewhere in Indiana and the country have generated cash that way for years. They offer naming rights to places including classrooms, libraries, high school wings,…