Dear______ Central School District,

The last time I checked I was sending my children to a public school that guarantees free education for every child living within the district.
I am irritated over the expense of this free education.
I find it disturbing that since September 1st I have spent over 300 dollars on my children’s free education.
I understand that I need to provide notebooks, pencils and pens for my children but why am I purchasing tissues, paper towels, hand sanitizer, sticky pads and red marking pens?
Am I to understand that I am purchasing supplies for the classroom?
A classroom in a public school.
Am I to also understand that your Middle School’s requirement of a gym uniform means that I must purchase said uniform for 15 dollars as well as a lock for a gym locker?
And what exactly does the 20 dollar activity fee provide for my child?
At this moment I would like to thank you for suggesting, in writing, that my child also have a track suit and specialized locker organizers. Perhaps you do not realize that suggested to an 11 year old means “I MUST HAVE IT.”
My middle school child was informed that she needed to type her assignments however we do not have access to a printer, does this mean I need to purchase a printer for my child’s free education?
I asked the teacher if there was an alternative but I have received no reply.
I find it uninformed to assume that every household in ________ has access to a PC and Printer.
Last night at the elementary Back to School Night I was asked to buy wrapping paper, candy, a raffle ticket and to join the PTO to support programs at this public school.
When I asked the PTO representatives which programs the 10 dollar membership fee would support I was told that much of the money goes to class trips.
I paid for all of the trips my child went on last year.
I guess the person was speaking of the coach buses that transport the children and teachers to their destinations.
I seem to recall school buses with the words _____ Central School district printed on the side.
Buses that were purchased with our school tax dollars.
Apparently they are good enough to shuttle the children back and forth to school but once the teachers board they are no longer of any use.
I am barely making ends meet.
I live pay check to pay check and if it were not for the graciousness of my children’s grandparents many of their back to school needs would be out of our means.
I am not asking for monetary assistance because I am smart enough, aware enough to realize that there are people in the district who need assistance more than I.
I am asking that our public class rooms be provided with adequate supplies so that parents do not have to stock the teacher’s closets.
I am asking that teachers and administrators familiarize themselves with the economic standing of all their students and realize that the average income of the town of _________ is just that, an average and there are many of us struggling as well as a large population that is living at or below the poverty level.
I ask that you do not suggest in writing or otherwise that parents purchase any non essential items for their children.
Children have never been able to discern between “suggest” and “must”.
I understand the importance of competitive salaries for the teachers, administrators and staff.
I understand the importance of keeping the school, the grounds and the buses safe for all.
I understand the importance of sports and extra curricular activities.
What I don’t understand is why I am footing the bill for class room supplies, gym uniforms, activity fees and still bombarded with fundraisers?
Where is the Free?
Maybe the _________Central School District provides "relatively free education for all the children living within the district"?