I was recently at a BBQ with families from different neighborhoods in Ptown. The conversation turned to the subject of school and we ended up discussing school supplies. We realized quickly that every school had made a different request for a list of supplies. Some actually requested money, some requested a specific list of supplies and still others requested supplies and a money donation. The requests for money were literally all over the board.

I found the differences interesting, particularly because when we were discussing the same grade level (i.e. Kindergarten). I would have assumed that if using the same curriculum at large district-wide, school budgets must be relative to pupil class/sizes. So then, why the difference per school in requests? It literally should break down to per student needs.

With the current budget issues, wouldn't it make sense for the district to buy supplies with their ordering discounts in bulk for parents to then contribute a money donation (contribute at registration, for instance)? Wouldn't that streamline the process (teachers getting exactly what they want for the first day of school), decrease the time spent in the car for parents (i.e. gas/time), all while keeping costs down for all of us?

I thought I would take a larger "poll" as to what each school in Pleasanton is asking for. Would you please list to date what your child's school has asked you for? You can put any grade level, but just be sure to include which school community. Maybe we can generate some data for the district to use for next year since this budget crisis is not likely to end after this next school year.

Thanks!