Schools need better supply planning

Earl Dixon
Published: September 14, 2008

As we all know school has started, and in this first week my wife and I face the same questions. Why is it so difficult for the high schools to put out a detailed list of required school supplies? The required
school supply list is being parceled out throughout the first week, meaning parents are driving back and forth to get the listed items, only to find that the items are sold out.

Is it possible to send out a supply list in, let’s say, maybe July? 

I can recall in my school years needing maybe two folders, paper, one ink pen and a pencil. When did it switch to the students providing a duffel bag of supplies? As a youth, we didn’t have the lottery as
supplement, yet somehow the schools where able to supply the materials needed to educate the students. Yes, I understand this is 2008 and that cost has increased. I’m not sure if the teacher’s
salaries have, but I would assume they have not. 

I have two points that I would like to make. Could we please put out that supply list ahead of time, not at the last minute. And my second point is just how much is the lottery/state putting toward our
public schools? I hear the advertisements, but I’m not sure I see the percentage. 

EARL DIXON

Dale City