Summer is one of the most strategic times for schools to take on capital improvement projects — and signage is no exception. If you’ve been considering a digital monument sign for your school or district, now is the time to start planning.

Here’s what administrators, facilities teams, and school board members need to know to ensure a smooth process, from budgeting to installation.

1. Why Summer Is the Ideal Window

Summer isn’t just a slower season — it’s an opportunity. When students are off campus and the building is quieter, schools have the flexibility to take on projects that are logistically difficult during the school year. That makes summer the most efficient time for trenching, foundation work, utility hookups, and large-scale signage installations.

With fewer safety concerns and minimal disruption to operations, everything from equipment staging to inspections becomes easier. Plus, completing the project before the first day of school means your digital signage can launch with maximum visibility and impact; just in time to welcome students and families back.

2. Start With a Realistic Budget Range

Digital monument signage is a visible, high-impact investment, but it’s not a one-line-item expense. Understanding the full scope of costs helps school leaders make smart decisions and avoid surprises during installation.

In most projects, your budget should account for:

• The digital display itself (LED resolution, size, and viewing angle)
• Structural base and materials, such as masonry or custom concrete
• Installation logistics, including trenching, mounting, and equipment rental
• Electrical and data connections, which may require upgrades
• Permit fees and inspection costs

A good signage partner can walk you through these details and help you prioritize features based on your needs and budget. Digital monument signage is a visible, high-impact investment — but it’s not a one-line-item expense. Understanding the full scope of costs helps school leaders make smart decisions and avoid surprises during installation.

3. Know What Content Software You’ll Use

Don’t wait until the sign is installed to think about how you’ll manage what goes on it. The software that powers your sign is just as important as the hardware, especially if your team is short on time or technical experience.

Ask early:

• Can messages be scheduled in advance?
• Can multiple staff members access the system remotely?
• Does the platform support graphics, video, or multilingual messages?

The goal is to ensure your digital signage becomes a helpful tool, not another task that gets passed around. Choosing a platform that’s intuitive and reliable will save you time and help you get the most out of your investment.

4. Get Ahead on Permits and District Approvals

Permitting can slow down even the most straightforward projects, and when it comes to signage, the rules aren’t always consistent from one city or district to another. Some municipalities have restrictions on brightness, motion, or sign placement. Others require detailed plans and engineering documents before approval.

In parallel, your district may require internal signoff from the school board, facilities leadership, or PTA/PTO advisory groups. These approvals can take weeks — or longer — if not started early.

That’s why it’s important to:

• Start permitting discussions as soon as design begins
• Loop in district stakeholders early to avoid delays
• Work with a signage partner experienced in public sector projects

Permits aren’t fun, but they’re crucial. Get ahead of them, and you’ll stay on track.

5. Think Beyond the Sign Face

A digital display is impressive on its own — but paired with the right structural and design elements, it becomes a true landmark. Many schools use the opportunity to upgrade their entire monument, creating a cohesive, branded entrance that reflects school pride and professionalism.

Consider incorporating:

• Masonry or stone bases that match other elements on campus
• Backlit logos or dimensional lettering for visual impact day and night
• Landscape lighting or accent materials to enhance visibility and design

These features can often be bundled into the same project timeline, giving your campus a polished, modern look that’s built to last.

 

Ready to Plan a Summer Signage Project?

At BLR, we specialize in signage for schools and districts across California. From concept to permits to installation, we’ll guide you through the entire process — on your timeline and within your budget.

Schedule a signage consultation
Or contact us at (669) 231-4600

Let’s build something that works hard for your campus year-round.