Selecting a Sign for Your School
By: Chip Goudreau

Communicating with students and parents is always a challenge for today's K-12 schools. Flyers often get lost in the bottom of backpacks, and mailing them is a constant expense that can be hard to coordinate. The most effective solution that many schools are opting for is a school sign.

If your school is among those considering this investment, there are some key elements you'll need to evaluate.

First, there are two types of signs to choose from: the changeable copy sign (also referred to as a reader board or marquee sign) and the LED electronic sign (also referred to as a digital sign).

A typical changeable copy sign usually consists of a header area that contains the school name, colors and mascot, along with a changeable copy message area that contains letters you can use to adjust your messages as needed. These can be double-sided and internally illuminated for maximum message exposure.

The LED (Light Emitting Diode) electronic signs are becoming increasingly popular due to their dynamic message and graphics display capabilities. The message can also be changed from inside the building. Also, it has the capability of being able to store messages to display on a pre-scheduled date. Because of this convenience, LED sign messages are updated and changed more often. These, too, have a header with school name and mascot and are double-sided and internally illuminated.

However, with all of the companies and options out there, the process of purchasing a school sign can be daunting. So, what should a school look for when choosing signage?

Factors such as budget, location, traffic patterns and traffic speed are key in deciding what sign best suits your needs.

Once you decide how much you are looking to spend on a school sign, you can set money aside in a budget or fundraise to allocate even more funds. Some sign companies also offer interest-free financing to make payments easier. Changeable copy signs range from about $3,500 to $12,000, while LED signs range from $15,000 to $50,000. Many schools also have local or national sponsors pay for their signs, which is especially attractive for both the sponsor and school when looking at an LED sign.

Your location--whether it is urban, suburban or rural--and where you will install your sign are also important. Studies show that in order to retain the message on a sign, the person reading your message requires a minimum of five seconds to read it as they pass by. If traffic moves slowly, people will be able to read more lines of text. Naturally, if there is faster traffic in the area, the size of the letters should be larger.

Another important point to consider is quality in relation to price, as well as the warranty offered by the company. The reputation of the company you are dealing with usually speaks volumes. An experienced company with knowledgeable employees that provides a superior sign using quality materials backed by a strong warranty is what is needed in order to avoid a costly disappointment.

Here are some important considerations.

• Your new changeable copy sign should offer a locking vandal cover with stainless-steel props to hold the cover open when messages are changed.
• Ensure that the sign face, message center and vandal cover is made from SGC100 Lexan from GE. This material is designed to be virtually unbreakable and will not yellow, fade or crack in harsh-weather environments. If finished properly, this material should also offer a graffiti proof finish.
• Your sign should be finished using an industrial powder-coat process, not using a wet paint. The powder coat ensures that the finish will offer a high-gloss finish, will be chip resistant and is graffiti proof.
• The graphics on your new sign should never be 'painted' - inside or outside of the sign face. Only choose a sign that offers a high-performance vinyl that is applied to the inside of the sign face.
• Look for a lifetime warranty against breakage for the sign faces, along with any defects in workmanship or material.
• Look for a company that will be around in 10, 15 or even 30 years to stand behind its warranty.

Most importantly, this should not be an exhausting procedure where you do all of the work. The mark of a good sign company is one that helps you through the process, answering any and all questions you may have along the way. Their aim should not be to sell you a sign, but to sell you the right sign.

Chip Goudreau is vice president of sales and marketing for Stewart Signs, www.stewartsigns.com .

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Product Roundup

NextSign by RiSun Enterprises
RiSun Enterprises manufactures unique, changeable copy, portable or permanent signs. The signs are great for outdoor use to highlight special events and announcements, but also can be used indoors for directional or informational purposes. Although they are portable, the signs also can be permanently mounted. Effective ministry and outreach depend on good communication. The "NextSign" magnetic signs provide for colorful, eye-catching ways to communicate your message to students, parents and the community. All the letters and graphics are magnetic so they can be arranged in limitless ways and are easy to apply and reposition. Signs are available in four sizes and a variety of colors.
www.risunenterprises.com

MPC Signs
With more than 50 years of experience, MPC Signs manufactures a wide variety of internally illuminated message board signs, way-finding signs and electronic message centers. Utilizing all-aluminum construction, the signs are built to exacting standards. All signs are UL listed, ensuring the highest quality of materials and workmanship. Purchasing from MPC Signs is easy with the company's "Create Your Own Sign" CD, which walks customers through the process of designing a sign. A graphic designer also is on staff to help with the design process at no charge.
www.mpcchurchsigns.com

SIGN*A*RAMA
For Christian schools, SIGN*A*RAMA offers a unique, changeable-copy sign made of durable cedar. The signs, with a tamper-proof track system, are great for promoting a school's activities or functions. Once a copy message has been arranged and locked in, it is virtually impossible for pranksters to change the copy.  The patented, two-part system has a removable letter track and a fixed sign track. Users simply insert each individual letter into the removable letter track to form the message, then slide the letter track into the sign track. The flexible design allows users to bring the letter track inside for indoor use.
www.signarama.com

eSign, Inc.
eSign, Inc. of Huntsville, Texas, is a leader in LED message center technology, providing high-quality LED message marquees for schools nationwide. eSign LED marquees feature high-quality components and construction to provide years of excellent service. Messages are programmed via the school's existing computer and sent to the marquee by wireless radio communication. eSign school marquees, featuring superior craftsmanship and attention to detail, come in many standard sizes and are easy to install.
www.esignco.com

Stewart Signs
Since 1968, Stewart Signs has been one of the nation's largest, most respected outdoor sign suppliers. Company consultants work with school leaders to create eye-catching graphics, using symbols like the school's colors or mascot. Schools can create a sign that projects a positive, attractive image to students, parents and the community. Stewart School Signs manufactures to rigid specifications and meets the highest standards of quality and design. The company specializes in top-of-the-line, internally illuminated, changeable copy and electronic message centers with graffiti-resistant finishes, vandal covers and a lifetime warranty.
www.stewartsigns.com

Signs Plus
Now in its second decade, Signs Plus provides an extensive array of indoor and outdoor changeable copy and LED (moving message) signs. Incorporating the most dynamic designs with the latest technology keeps Signs Plus on the cutting edge of the marketplace. A comprehensive lifetime warranty is provided on the high quality engineered, cost effective signage from Signs Plus. Signs Plus- Helping You Reach Them.  www.signsplussigns.com

Schneider National Sign Corp.
Schneider National Sign Corp. has been in business since 1970, producing quality signage for churches, schools and businesses. The company has always been a custom sign shop, designing products specifically for the individual church, school or business. Constant research of cutting edge materials, technology and products for the sign industry has made it possible for the Schneider Sign Companies to offer attractive, quality signage to meet the budget constraints of their clients. Schneider National Sign Corp. can ship signs throughout the United States , ready to install through a simple procedure requiring no professional assistance. Any organization can order a top quality sign that will last for many years, be attractive, and is designed specifically for their application and budget.
www.schneidersigns.net