Bring Corporate Sponsors to the local level

I wholeheartedly applaud the Acton-Boxborough school administration for taking the initiative to explore corporate sponsorships for their athletic programs.

Acton-Boxborough may ask businesses to sponsor school teams - - Budget Blues - Boston.com

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I have long thought that this is a missed opportunity for high school programs, as well as potential sponsors. The benefit to schools (and the taxpayers of the community) is pretty obvious. More private money used means less public (TAX) money needed. It would also allow us to take a step towards making a public school education free of "additional fees" that limit our kids ability to explore multiple extracurricular activities.

There are also a benefits to the corporate sponsors. The customer loyalty that will be immediately gained from the community. This loyalty will be based on the goodwill generated by parents and students knowing that a specific business made it possible for them to participate in extracurricular activities. This would especially benefit small "mom and pop" businesses that rely on local customers choosing them over the "big box" stores that are often cheaper.

I would also like to see sponsors receive "charitable contribution" tax credit for money donated to support extracurricular activities. Notice, I didn't say athletic teams. It shouldn't matter whether its the football team or the drama club, each of these programs add to the degree of opportunity our kids have, and each deserve support. A tax credit would not only incentive corporations, but also individuals who would be willing to support their local school.

Some may argue that there would be risks of having corporate sponsors at the high school level. I don't see the risks that exist at the collegiate level because there is no money awarded to schools who win state titles. In fact, when you consider that corporate sponsors have been supporting little league teams for decades, the high school level is the only area where sponsors do not contribute.

Private, charitable contributions are something every school district should be exploring. And incentives for the private sector should be something our state and federal government provide.