Well what's more is that my son is a special ed student so the district is getting about 22000 a year for his education versus the 6 or 7 grand they get for a normal student *AND* I get to provide things like velcro for his communication book that you would expect to be handled somewhere in the extra bills they get for the extra needs. Hell, when they made the book last year, they sent me home a list for that too with what they needed to make it.

The problem with our district is that they don't have enough business in their tax base, but this district is a very sought after district in the area and I think they push with the lists because it has been filling, the last several years, with half a million dollar homes(yes, that's a lot for central OH) ie they figure the parents can handle it. I'd list the district, but it's a bit more personal info then I'm interested in giving out on an open forum. And yes, we can absorb the costs, but it still creates a dent in the budget in August when I do the school shopping that is just unnecessary given how ridiculous the supply list is.
Well bitchin' over. Kids are back on their way at the end of the week. It's almost worth the expense.
As a last word, it is an issue I'm torn over. I know some kids need the help because their parents really are at a tough place financially, but by the same token when the list is reasonable, I just don't understand how parents can not provide what their child needs. I really do believe a number of parents provide for themselves first or just don't care to be bothered to prepare their kids and it is why their children do not get the things they need to succeed. It's why I prefer to help out on a more personal level when opportunity permits to do so.