DAYTON, Ohio — Bookbags, pencils and notebooks are just a few of the item’s students will need when they return to class. However, it can sometimes be a struggle for families to afford supplies.
The prices of school supplies have gone up 20-30% this year, and it’s something teachers and parents are struggling to deal with as the school year approaches.
Kara Jankowski is a teacher in our area, and she said last year she spent $100 on supplies for her students, which she said is on the lower end of what some teachers can expect to spend.
“Teachers are buying everything from pencils and glue sticks to bigger supplies. It can range anywhere from $50 to around $1,000,” she said.
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Jankowski hasn’t shopped for supplies yet for the upcoming school year but has heard from other teachers that the struggle is real.
She said, “You used to find deals like you could get some folders for a penny or some notebooks for .50 cents and, and that is not the case. That’s not what my teacher friends are seeing. They’re seeing the prices are going up and things are getting more expensive.”
Mohamed Al-Hamdani, President of Dayton School Board of Education said a supply shortage is driving up the cost of supplies.
“Unfortunately, because of COVID-19 there has been a lack of planning on the supply chain. No one really knew where things were going to be this year, so producers didn’t manufacturer enough supplies for our students and our families and our teachers,” Al-Hamdani said.
Places like Walmart, Kroger and Target are seeing empty shelves.
Al-Hamdani said, “We got wind that cost was going to be up about three weeks ago. Supplies for even things like crayons were going to be very low this year.” He continued, “A pack of crayons went from .50 cents over the counter to almost $3. That’s almost quadrupling the price.”
Teachers are also seeing book bags costing as much as $45.
Jankowski said, “I know that a lot of families, including teacher’s families are going through financial strain. To have to pay more for school supplies is a bit worrisome for me.”
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That’s why Al-Hamdani said Dayton Public School’s will help provide supplies for teachers and families this year. Some of the supplies are left over from last year.
“During our last board meeting, we actually discussed the fact that we’re going to be purchasing more supplies just in case our families have a hard time finding those and to provide to our teachers as well,” Al-Hamdani said.
Jankowski said she is worried that some of her students won’t have what they need.
“We need certain things in the classroom. If you’re learning how to write, you’re going to need a pencil and paper,” she said.
Tax Free Weekend will help offset some of the cost of the increase in school supplies. It’s also recommended that you shop online if you can’t find what you need in stores.
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