Boston School Sports Get Boost From Public-Private Partnership

Boston school sports programs are getting a big boost with a new public-private partnership.

Pro and collegiate sports teams, together with several Boston-area corporations, will work with the city to boost public school athletic budgets by more than 60 percent, from $4 million to $6.5 million over the next three years.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said there will be an academic component for student athletes as well. "It's a two-prong attack," he said. "Through academic achievements there's also sports achievements. I want them working hand in hand. A superstar in the classroom and a superstar on the ball field."

According to the Boston Globe, the city currently spends significantly less on sports than state and national averages.