New Sign Planned for High School

A new sign with digital displays will be installed in front of Salem High School this summer following approval by the School Board Tuesday night.

According to SAU 57 Superintendent Michael Delahanty, the total cost of the sign, installation and landscaping is $29,100. The majority of funding for the sign comes from donations and grants including $18,000 from the family of Edmond Lo, a 2004 SHS graduate killed while serving in Iraq.

Delahanty said just over $5,600 of the cost is covered by the operating budgets of the school grounds, maintenance and athletic departments.

The sign itself is 96 inches in height with displays measuring 90 inches by 34 inches, Delahanty said. It is planned to be located between the lower parking lot and the entrance driveway to the high school, closer to Geremonty Drive than the present sign, he said.

While acknowledging some may have concerns with a display sign possibly causing a distraction to drivers, Delahanty felt the sign would be an important addition to the area.

"It has the ability to be changed very quickly," he said. "It can be modified for any emergencies or any information that comes out quickly. It will be a tremendous communication tool for not only the school but the school district as well."

Delahanty estimated there would be virtually no difference in operating costs for the new sign compared to the present sign, which is operated using florescent lights.