I hate white
signs as well, but it looks as if he's stuck with the substrate.
I also hate the red outline around the name.
You don't need that. Try a soft grey drop shadow.
The lion graphic already has the school colors in it.
I'd make the lion a bit bigger, make the name a bit smaller and place it lower on the
sign.
(I'd do a mock-up for you but I am not in a creative mood)
Tagline and website fonts and sizes are a bit big, the lettering needs more breathing room and a border would look nice.
Love....Jill