Good Question: How Much Are We Spending On School Supplies?

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- As kids head back to school, parents and teachers are heading to the stores. They're armed with very specific lists of supplies that are often shared in the classroom.  So, how much are we spending on school supplies? Good Question.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average family spends $107 on school supplies. That does not include clothes, shoes and electronics.  In an informal Twitter survey, Janine says she spend $60 on supplies for a 3rd and 7th grader, Desiree says $150 for three kids and Tessa reports $80 for her 1st grader.

The NRF survey also found 60 percent of families would, if asked, buy more than what's required.  About 40 percent of people think they're asked to buy too much.

At Normandale Hills Elementary School in Bloomington, the prepaid school supply kits run from $37 for kindergarten to $65 for 5th grade.

"We understand that parents are often times buying for multiple children, so we try to be cognizant of that," said Andy Vollmuth, principal at Normandale Hills. "We try to watch the cost of what we're asking for parents."

At his school, teachers determine the lists.  Over time, some supplies, like Trapper Keepers, have come off the list. Others, like headphones, have been added.

According to a spokesman at the Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota state statute says children shouldn't be charged for books, art materials, lab supplies or supplies that are necessary for participation in a course.  It also says students may be asked for things like pencils, pens, erasers and notebooks.

Vollmuth says his school is lucky to have support and donations from the community or local businesses.  Some surveys have shown teachers will spend up to $500 a year on supplies.

"We try not to put that tax or burden onto teachers, but surely our teachers go above and beyond and purchase things for our students at times," said Vollmuth.

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