School supply costs create barriers for students

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Students across the Central Coast started their new school year and are returning to in-person instruction.

After a year of remote learning, parents are scrambling to make sure their students have everything they need to start, such as supplies and clothes, but in the midst of a pandemic, parents are seeing an increase in the cost of school supplies, making it a barrier for families and students to be prepared.

However, the Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Deneen Guss said, parents, don’t need to worry about buying school supplies.

"Schools are required to provide all the instructional materials necessary for their students," said Dr. Guss.

KION asked our Twitter followers if they were struggling to get school supplies this year and 38% of voters said yes.

“All students must receive what we call FAPE, which is a free and appropriate public education," she said. "Which means we cannot require students to bring their own school supplies. We must provide those as part of the free and appropriate public education requirement for schools”

According to Dr. Gus, parents can call the Office of Education and ask to speak with their homeless and foster youth coordinators. Families can also reach out to the school’s parent or wellness center for assistance.  These centers can also provide assistance for families who don’t have the money to pay for uniforms, she said.

"Many of the local schools provide the uniforms, or they do have community donors that help contribute toward this cause," said Dr. Guss. "We do not want students to have barriers in regard to returning to school in the fall."

The Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Faris Sabbah said the same resources are available for families in Santa Cruz.

"As long as we can get our families connected with somebody that is kind of a navigator and understands the resources that are available," said Dr. Sabbah. "Then we'll be sure to get them to food services we'll be sure to get them to school supplies we'll be sure to get them to clothing whatever it is that they need."

Both superintendents also want to remind parents they can call 211 and get the help needed to make sure their students are ready to start school.