Advertisers might help raise money to fund new artificial turf fields at Glenbrook North and South high schools, school officials said Thursday.

Members of a group researching synthetic turf for Glenbrook High School District 225 have been discussing fees for potential advertising at the new fields and considering the structure of a fundraising campaign, said Hillarie Siena, assistant superintendent for business affairs.

Ads on the fields, scoreboards or on signs at the fields are being considered, Siena said.

When the Board of Education approved the two fields in December, it did so with a caveat that $400,000 of the estimated $3.5 million cost would come from a community fundraising effort.  Replacing both schools’ running tracks and the creation of water retention areas are  included in the estimate.

But raising that money might not happen by the time bills for the projects come due.

“That may not materialize all in one year,” Siena said. “It may not be an upfront commitment.”

Officials recognized this in December, noting that the fundraising effort would continue indefinitely, until the $400,000 is raised. Until then, the district would cover the cost with reserve funds.

A multiyear effort appears to be the norm in other school districts where ads have helped fund new athletic fields, said Glenbrook South Principal Brian Wegley

“That becomes the perpetual vehicle to continue funding the fields,” he said.

Wegley said one company has already expressed interest in advertising at the fields.

Bidding for the project is scheduled to begin Feb. 15, said Kim Ptak, director of operations and purchasing for the district.

Officials said in December that installation of the first field, at Glenbrook South, could begin as soon as May.