Knox schools enjoy unequal perks from Pepsi, Coca-Cola

Cash, free stuff, and scoreboards: right now, Knox County principals bargain for perks with Pepsi or Coca-Cola on their own.

Both beverage companies throw out incentives to convince principals to sign over exclusive advertising and serving rights on school grounds.

But in this game, the rules vary by player.

Compare the deals at Gibbs, West and Halls high schools.

Click here for a table of contract details

All get free cases of soda and a percentage of what's sold, although the amount varies slightly between schools.

When it comes to perks, that's it for Gibbs.

West High also enjoys two ice machines, plus $2,150 per year for physical fitness, teacher incentives, and t-shirts.

Meanwhile, Halls High gets five scoreboards and $3,750 annually for scholarships, physical fitness, and Powerade Gear.

Between South Doyle High and Bearden High, the difference is in plain sight.

"We have one of the nicest scoreboards in Knox County," Greg Woodward, South Doyle Dug Out Club President, said.

"Our scoreboard is smaller than that one," Bearden Assistant Coach Jack Tate said. "It's nice though. It's maroon, our school colors."

Next week, the county's purchasing department hopes to level the playing field for the first time by negotiating one deal for all schools.

"It's leverage, is what it is," Purchasing Director Hugh Holt explained. "It's bargaining power."

Hugh's goal is to get more for everyone, and he says any scoreboards removed because they don't bear the new contractor's name will be replaced.

He also explains that schools will benefit based on how much soda they sell, so some schools will still receive more money.

However, some principals told 10News that they're worried the schools won't see any of the money, especially if it's lumped into the school or county budget.

"Those monies will stay with each of the facilities," Hugh insisted. "Guaranteed."

The county is putting the request for proposals out on Monday.

Last year, Coca-Cola won the contract to provide beverages at all other Knox County facilities, including parks.