Free School Supplies For One Capital Region School

Summer is not over, but I am sure you have seen the school supply aisle in almost every store! I am that last-minute mom who will run to the store the night before and even on the first day of school to get supplies. If you live in the Mohanasen Central School District, you do not have to worry about it.

The Mohonasen Central School District will provide basic school supplies for all students this upcoming academic year. A letter went out to parents last week letting them know the district will provide supplies for all students, citing data from the state’s Department of Education that found nearly half of students enrolled in the community are economically disadvantaged.

Superintendent Shannon Shine said the district had budgeted $150,000 to purchase the supplies, which he noted was made possible by an increase in state aid this year. He added that it is the first time the district has set money aside to purchase student supplies.

Three hundred & fifty-one students are enrolled in the district now, with supplies to go to any student who shows up without any. The goal, he said, is to provide students throughout the year, but noted that path is dependent on how the materials are used and how many families still purchase supplies.

The Schenectady City School District set aside funds for teachers to purchase classroom materials this year. For the Shenendewoha, the school district will supply pencils and tissues for the classrooms.