For years, Brevard Public Schools operated under the impression that merchandise bearing high school logos—sold in major retailers across the county—was part of legitimate, district‑approved agreements. But a recent review uncovered something very different: long‑standing, unauthorized contracts with third‑party vendors dating back to the early 2000s. These agreements, many involving high schools, granted outside companies broad and unrestricted rights to use school logos without ever going through proper district channels.
The discovery revealed that these vendors had been approaching big box retailers such as Walmart, Target, Publix, and Walgreens, striking deals to sell school‑branded merchandise. While the products filled store shelves and generated steady sales, the schools themselves saw only a minimal share of the revenue. The bulk of the profit went to the third‑party companies—despite the merchandise being tied directly to Brevard’s high school identities, spirit, and community pride.
“It’s unacceptable that our schools were receiving only a fraction of the revenue while outside companies made substantial profits using our logos,” said School Board Chair Matt Susin.
District officials determined that the contracts not only lacked proper approval but also violated district policy. In response, Brevard Public Schools has begun the process of eliminating the invalid agreements altogether. The district is now moving toward a new model—one that cuts out the middleman and builds direct partnerships with the major retailers themselves.
“By ending these invalid contracts and working directly with our major retailers, we’re ensuring that every dollar generated from school spirit stays where it belongs—supporting our classrooms, our programs, and our kids,” Susin said.