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Batavia schools warn businesses about calendar sales ploy

The Batavia school district is warning local businesses that it has not given a company permission to sell winter sports schedule calendars with the Bulldogs logo, and that it doesn't get any money from the sales.

The company has been sending emails to businesses, trying to get them to buy ads on the pocket-size calendars.

A sample email, according to Batavia officials, is:

"Hi Bulldogs Fan:),

Happy Fall:) I'm working on the upcoming basketball/winter sports schedule cards for Batavia High School, and wanted to check with you about being a sponsor. The pocket sized schedule cards will be in full color, they will include winter sports, and you'll be on all 3,000 cards if you participate. Batavia High School receives the cards for free, and You will also receive 500 cards to give out. We need to sell two ads, one for the front and one for the back. The cost of one ad is 300.00, or 550.00 for both the front and back. Please let me know if you would like to see a previous card, and I will email it to you. You can pay for your ad after delivery if you like:)

Thank you,

Jane Lester"

The company does not have permission to sell or market products featuring the trademarked logo or name of the high school, or sell anything on behalf of the district, the school or any official booster organization.

It sold a fall sports schedule, according to Sue Gillerlain, the district's spokeswoman. The district sent a letter in September to the company's Milwaukee address, telling it to stop. The businesses that advertised either stopped their payments or declined to pay, after being informed by the district, she said.

It is the second year in a row the district has dealt with this company, and it isn't alone.

An internet search shows school districts in other states have issued similar warnings. Some said Lester sent an email billing them for schedules they never ordered. Those districts reported the company seemed to be based in Virginia.

A message has been left for Lester.

People can check the legitimacy of solicitations on behalf of Batavia public schools, teams and clubs by calling the district office at (630) 937-8824. They can also visit the "Parent Organization" page at bps101.net to see the district's official partners.

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