A friend recently forwarded the email listed below. It’s to parents from the principal at Holly Grove Middle School and is like thousands of other emails that schools send out to parents throughout the school year asking them to contribute or help out with some activity at the local school.
First let say, most parents are happy to contribute to the additional costs of their child’s education. Parents will find additional money for such things as field trip or class pictures. They do it because they know it enriches their child’s educational experience.
This email asks parents to bring additional school supplies to the school for others. Specifically:
We would like to collect supplies for our HGMS students and other community students that may be unable to afford school supplies for the new school year. As you are shopping for your child’s school supplies for the new year…. Please consider purchasing a few extra supplies for donation.
First, let me say I am all for helping those in need. Doing so is our duty.
But let’s remember the school is making this request. Last I checked Wake County Public Schools have $1.4 billion budget. The new budget for 2017-18 is $1.6 billion, including $455 million from the county and a record $45 million budget increase.
According to current formulas, the district allots about $71 per child for school supplies. Last year WCPSS spent approximately $11.4 million on school supplies.
That said, a question comes to mind.
The letter asks parents to “consider purchasing a few extra supplies for HGMS students and other community students unable to afford school supplies for the coming year.”
If HGMS or WCPSS does not have on hand any of the suggested supplies that they are asking parents to buy, what school supplies does the school buy with its approximately $71 per child budget?
Asking parents to pitch in is one thing. It’s quite another to ask because taxpayer money is not being spent wisely.
Passing a tin cup for such needs in a billion-dollar school district irks many parents and propels the false narrative that WCPSS schools are financially strapped.
If I’m wrong, someone show me. If not, it should stop.
Wow! This is petty piece. Since this initiative originates with the PTSA, why not demonize the parents and students while you are at it! This article typifies ideological bias, constructed by those who have little, if any, experience in the field.
Kirt Landrysays
Why is it so hard to define what the $71 per student purchases? This should be able to be determined quickly. We could then see if the school system is dragging its feet or if Civitas has made a ridiculous accusation.
I’ll bet the school system will not answer, accepting the perception of guilt, and the comment sections will continue to be filled with those that have no information but feel the need to venomously defend their side.
Mariesays
We agree with you 100% Mr. Luebke! We thought we were the only ones who felt this way. I mean, when is enough … enough?
Pintosays
I’ll bet the school system will not answer, accepting the perception of guilt, and the comment sections will continue to be filled with those that have no information but feel the need to venomously defend their side.
George, for instance.
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Wow! This is petty piece. Since this initiative originates with the PTSA, why not demonize the parents and students while you are at it! This article typifies ideological bias, constructed by those who have little, if any, experience in the field.
Why is it so hard to define what the $71 per student purchases? This should be able to be determined quickly. We could then see if the school system is dragging its feet or if Civitas has made a ridiculous accusation.
I’ll bet the school system will not answer, accepting the perception of guilt, and the comment sections will continue to be filled with those that have no information but feel the need to venomously defend their side.
We agree with you 100% Mr. Luebke! We thought we were the only ones who felt this way. I mean, when is enough … enough?
George, for instance.