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LAUSD Approves Corporate Sponsorship for Programs
Image mashup by Lisa Brenner
Calling it a "new and creative approach in raising revenue for the general fund," Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon Cortines is applauding the School Board's unanimous vote yesterday to approve pursuing corporate sponsorships to support programs.
The Board's vote authorizes Cortines to seek corporate sponsorships of up to $500,000 to generate revenue that will go towards sustaining sports and arts programs.
In order for the sponsorships to be implemented, the Board must vote in approval. There are restrictions on what companies or products may sponsor the programs; off-limits are alcohol and tobacco companies, fast food firms, high calorie products and high sugar foods. Potential sponsors will not be able to select specific schools or areas for their sponsorship. Their presence on the campus will be somewhat limited:
Under the sponsorship program donors would be able establish a corporate brand identity but not engage in product promotion. Instead of selling products, firms would support programs with limited signage and other marketing or corporate branding.
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