Cost of back-to-school supplies expected to reach new heights due to inflation

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. -- Families spent more than ever on back-to-school shopping last year and it's expected to reach new heights this year.

Last year the National Retail Federation said families to spent more than $840 on school supplies.

With inflation increases across the board this year that number is expected to be just as higher or higher.

North Carolina teachers spend an average of $526 out of their own pockets for classroom supplies for their students.

Kelly Prestipino is a teacher and has three kids in grade school. She says her family budgets, but it can be frustrating each year seeing kids without or not having it yourself.

"It definitely is a struggle I see it in the classrooms. I mean of course the students are gonna come in there especially the high school level and say 'Hey I can't get all these things on the list that you wanted me to have,' so that's why I always make sure you know it's just they're in my room ready for them so there's no like embarrassment," she said.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to seek out school drives as soon as possible.

WakeEd Partnership is launching "Back to School with Tools4Schools" on Monday.

Keith Poston, with WakeEd Partnership, said their Tools4Schools drive helps local teachers through their supply store.

"It's about reminding the community that these are our teachers, these are our students, these are our children, these are our schools and we want to do everything we can to support them and make them successful," he said.

It's the first of a 5-week supply drive to help local teachers.

The program kicks off in Holly Springs at 10:30 a.m.