MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The cost of school supplies won't be a burden for parents and students in Martin County when classes start in August.
The school district announced Wednesday that $300,000 has been allocated to cover the costs of school supplies for all students at each of the 20 schools within the district.
"This initiative is designed to ensure that every student has access to the necessary supplies to succeed from the very first day of school, while also alleviating the financial burden on families," the Martin County School District said in a news release.
The funding allocations are as follows:
- $20,000 for each elementary school
- $10,000 for each middle school
- $5,000 for each high school
Derek Lowe, coordinator of public information and community relations for the Martin County School District, said each school administration will decide how to spend the money.
"This money is really going to be used to cover things like colored pencils, glue, markers, binders and folders, paper, really more of the necessity items," Lowe said. "This money that is being distributed to the schools has a specific code so that way it can be tracked on the back end."
Lowe said about half of the district's nearly 18,000 students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch, which shows how much this break can benefit parents' wallets.
"It means a lot. We know these dollars go a long way, especially during these times, the economy is very tough right now," Lowe said. "Anytime we can help put that extra help on the table and the dollars in the pockets of our families it really does go a long way and mean a lot."
Scripps News Life
Back-to-school shopping forecast estimates households will spend almost $900
The National Retail Federation predicts parents will spend about $140 on school supplies this year. WPTV crunched the numbers for the Jensen Beach Elementary kindergarten supply list and it came out to about $75.
Martin County parent Rosa Saldago said the news this week came at the perfect time.
"Everything is expensive right now so that helps a lot so we can buy some food because right now in summer they eat a lot," Saldago said. "That's a great idea. It's excellent for us, that helps a lot."
The school district noted that this funding may not include purchases for backpacks, lab needs for secondary students or special calculators, etc.
Officials said they encourage families to take advantage of the upcoming tax-free holiday beginning July 29.
"We are committed to supporting our students and their families," Superintendent Michael Maine said. "By providing these essential supplies, we are removing barriers to learning and ensuring that every student is ready to start the school year on the right foot."
The first day of school for students in Martin County is Aug. 12.
