School Board Approves Earlier School Year, Corporate Sponsors
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles school board has approved two controversial policies: one to start the school year in mid-August, and another to allow corporate sponsorships to aid the cash-strapped district.
The board voted Tuesday to allow the superintendent to sign agreements of up to $500,000. The school board would have to approve larger contracts.
District officials say the revenue generated by the sponsorships would be used to preserve programs most susceptible to budget cuts such as arts and athletics.
The board also voted to change the official start of the school year to August 15, instead of the traditional first day of school after Labor Day.
District officials say the earlier calendar will allow students to complete their final exams before the winter break.
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