Board approves 2025–26 school supply list after debate on family costs; one member dissents

Board members discussed how to limit burdens on families when teachers publish supply lists and voted to approve the 2025–26 district supply lists after a debate over costs, donations and online teacher wish lists.

Several board members said principals were encouraged to keep individual classroom supply lists minimal; one board speaker said she had urged principals to limit required supplies to about $12 per student to avoid excessive expense for families with multiple children. Members noted existing community supports — churches and United Way donations and school backpack programs — but also raised concern about teacher wish lists posted to social media. The board reiterated that teacher solicitations via personal accounts should follow district fundraising rules and that online wish lists require the same fundraiser paperwork as other external solicitations.

Board members discussed alternatives, including district bulk purchasing and a school‑level supply pick‑up that would let qualifying families collect a pre‑packaged set while preserving the chance for parents to shop with children. Several members said they favored preserving the family tradition of back‑to‑school shopping while avoiding unnecessary expense for families who cannot afford items.

A motion to approve the 2025–26 school supply list was made by Mr. Cole and seconded by Mr. Schultz. The motion passed; the board chair declared the ayes had it and recorded one dissent from Miss Linda. Members asked staff to circulate hard copies of next year’s lists earlier so the board can flag items of concern before lists go public.

The board also said principals and the provost will be reminded that teachers must follow the district’s fundraiser process before soliciting purchases on social media or through external wish lists.