As the beginning of another school year roars into the midst of summer happenings, school supply lists appear in stores and online, alluding to the fresh start for students entering the land of learning. Many of these lists have the standard tools for educational excellence- pencils and pens for expressing the young minds thoughts, ideas, and stories; lined paper and folders to contain the materials presented; rulers, calculators, and a variety of other paraphernalia to assist in the learning process. And curiously, many schools now require parents to supply facial tissue for little noses, cleaning wipes and supplies for messes, and plastic baggies.
According to the Montana Office of Public Instruction, the Great State of Montana has received funding from the federal government in three separate "American Rescue Plan Acts" due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. This funding is to be used to assist in "safely reopening and (to) sustain safe operations of schools". Montana has been pegged to receive $618,093,640 for safe operations of the 400 public and non-public schools within the state. According to the OPI data provided for local schools- Roundup Elementary School is projected to receive $135,419 with the high school receiving $47,906. Melstone is projected to receive $17,600 for the elementary school and $12,444 for the high school. Winnett Schools (K-12) is allocated to receive $34,734.
Calculating all these numbers make me wonder why school administrators haven't budgeted simple cleaning products, baggies, and tissues into their finances, and instead expect and demand taxpaying parents provide these for their kiddos and the whole classroom. Perhaps the next round of money will be allocated for these supplies.
Gary VanDyke
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