The Indicator from Planet Money Why "free" public education doesn't always include school supplies
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Sep 18, 2025 Back-to-school supplies are becoming a financial burden for parents and teachers. An economist reveals the historical underfunding of public schools, linking it to the Great Recession. One Colorado district tackles this issue by utilizing bulk purchasing with Title I funds, but it comes with tradeoffs. The discussion underscores the disparities in funding policies and the unexpected costs that families face, sparking a broader conversation about education equity.
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District Bulk-Buys Supplies
- Rachel Laufer's Colorado Springs district shifted to bulk-buying supplies and laid them out on desks at meet-the-teacher events.
- The change eliminated parents hauling bags and refocused the visit on people, not materials.
Meet-The-Teacher Transformation
- Meet-the-teacher events used to centre on parents dropping off purchased supplies, sometimes in multiple trips.
- After the district policy change, supplies were placed on desks and the focus shifted to meeting teachers.
Use Title I Funds Strategically
- Use federal Title I funds to cover common classroom supplies when possible to reduce burdens on families.
- Expect tradeoffs and tighten other budgets, but prioritize equitable access for students.