Sarasota athletes now able to make earning from name, image and likeness

As the Sarasota County School Board convened on Aug. 21, it approved a policy allowing high school student athletes to enter into Name, Image and Likeness, or NIL, deals.

The policy brings the district into accordance with a policy approved by the Florida High School Athletic Association on June 5 and later by the State Board of Education on July 25.

Under the new rules, student athletes can profit from their name, image and likeness through activities including but not limited to promotional activities, a social media presence and product or service advertisements, without placing their athletic eligibility at risk.

The rules contain certain restrictions, such as a prohibition on the use of identifying logos and features, or the use of school events for advertising purposes. 

The policy was approved unanimously; Chair Karen Rose was absent from the meeting. 

"I think we're one of the leading school districts right now with a policy in place, and we will continue to monitor this, to see how it is implemented across our district, and make adjustments as necessary," said Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor.

School board approves Capital Improvement Plan

The board also unanimously passed the district's five-year Capital Improvement Plan.

The plan establishes the district's budgeting priorities related to facilities and capital projects from the 2024-25 school year to the 2028-29 school year, allocating a total of $1.7 billion across all years.

Connor noted that the plan is "a living document and can be adjusted as needed based on any circumstances that may arise."

Board member Bridget Ziegler said she was grateful to Connor and the district's team for taking into account priorities of the board, including The Farm, a facility for raising animals and other agricultural activities, at McIntosh Middle School.