Parents, teachers to pay more for school supplies due to inflation, tariffs, economists say

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- What's clear to Kira Alexander is that her students' families are doing their best at navigating the economy.

It's the second week of year-round school at Rogers-Herr Middle School and the English Language Arts teacher said not everyone has all the school supplies they need.

"I know how much people are struggling," said Kira Alexander. "I have extra notebooks I've stockpiled in here. This is my student supply area right here."

Economists said teachers could see this growing need as traditional students head back to class in a month. They believe parents could feel the impact of tariffs when buying school clothes, backpacks, lunchboxes and other supplies.

"Parents are facing price increases across a number of categories when it comes to school supplies," said UNC Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School research economist Dr. Sarah Dickerson. "If we look at pencils for instance, we know the wooden pencils are imported from Brazil. We are anticipating price hikes there."

Dr. Eunice O. Sanders is the program manager of Crayons2Calculators, a program of the Durham Public Schools Foundation that provides free school supplies to every teacher in the district. According to her, last year the organization served more than 96% of teachers in the district. It saved each of them $450. Community partners help keep the operation going by providing teachers and some underserved students with school supplies.

"There is a need. It's been increasing over the years and we expect it to be even more so this year," said Dr. Sanders.

This includes math teachers at Rogers-Herr Elementary School, including Sashalee James. She has used Crayons2Calculators for the last five years to get supplies for herself and students to make sure they are set up for success in the classroom.

"I need clipboards. I need whiteboards. I need tape," said James. "When we get those extra supplies from Crayons2Calculators, it really helps."

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