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To the Editor:
School is back and parents are faced with sticker shock of higher school supply prices. Students and teachers should have all the tools they need. Everything from clothing to gasoline to pencils is going to cost more. Depending on which report you access, 2021 school supplies cost per student was between $250 and $450. With inflation this year the cost will rise significantly. The good news is the Tennessee tax free holiday for school supplies is this weekend. Tennessee for the first time also has made the month of August tax free for food. It’s also great news that all students get free school lunch this year. Carter County students have a little more time to get their school supplies because they begin later than other schools on August 11.
Teachers will also feel the effect of higher prices. On average a teacher will spend between $500 and $1000 of his/her money to supply the classroom. When parents run short of what they can provide, teachers often make up the difference. One pastor heading up a school supply drive emphasized to the church congregation that what you don’t supply, the teachers may be responsible. The pastor said backpacks need to be strong enough to hold up under the weight of heavy books for the year so don’t cheap out on the quality. JanSport backpacks are high quality but can cost $30. Students enjoy personalizing their backpacks by adding stickers and paints. It’s good for churches to make sure students attending their church have the supplies they need. The Bible in Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ Jesus.”
Thanks to Pastor Brandon Young, President of the Carter Compassion Center (CCC), for all he does to show the love of Jesus and address poverty and homelessness in Carter County. Pastor Young said, data shows there are 66 homeless students in Carter County Schools and 77 homeless students in Elizabethton City Schools. Anyone interested in learning more about CCC or making a contribution may see Pastor Young or go to www.catercompassioncenter.org.

D.D. Nave
Elizabethton