***American families are spending an average of $875 per household on back-to-school shopping this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Every year, parents are tasked with longer and longer supply lists. Meanwhile, the state of North Carolina is spending just $31 per student. So, who fills in the gap between $875 and $31? Educators.
***A recent survey revealed that North Carolina educators are spending around $1,300 of their own money on school supplies - $400 more than the national average. That’s 4th most in the country.
***That’s a significant expense, especially in a state where the National Education Association expects teacher pay to drop to 41st in the nation this year. Accounting for inflation, the NEA notes that teachers are making, on average, 5% less than they did 10 years ago, so it's easy to see how stressful the back-to-school season can be for parents, educators, and students alike.
***Thankfully, teachers and parents could be set for some relief if Josh Stein is elected this November. Stein recently unveiled his "Ready. Set. Save!" back-to-school plan, which will reinstitute an August sales tax holiday, provide teachers with a stipend to help cover the out-of-pocket costs of school supplies, and invest in free school meals for children.
***According to Stein, both Virginia and South Carolina currently offer tax-free weekends, prompting many North Carolinians to travel to neighboring states to take advantage of the savings. It's been more than a decade since North Carolina last had a tax-free holiday weekend, and its return could provide much-needed relief for both parents and educators.
***NCAE encourages supporters of public education to make donations to classroom charities, including NCAE’s own charitable arm, the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children, while also calling for increases in per-student spending.
