Cash-strapped districts cutting sports

As cash-strapped school districts across the nation scale back sports programs or try to pass on part or all of their costs to students and parents, some fear that the tradition of the scholar athlete is at risk. InMount Vernon, N.Y. — where the school district’s $1.1 million athletic program was eliminated last month in budget cuts — many teachers and parents say that sports not only keep children coming to school but also keep them away from crime, drugs and gang activity. To read The New York Times article, click here.