Grand Jury Recommends Discontinuation of School Supplies Solicitation

Marin County Civil Grand Jury Report Calls for End to School Supply Requests

In a recent report, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury has called for an end to the practice of schools in Marin County asking parents to provide school supplies. The report, titled “A Free Public Education Includes School Supplies,” states that public schools in California are required to provide all necessary supplies, materials, and equipment to students at no cost to their families.

The grand jury found that some Marin schools have been distributing supply lists to families or including school supplies ads from large retailers in school publications, which goes against state education code. The report recommends that schools discontinue these practices and ensure that teachers are not pressured to provide items out of their own pockets.

The investigation that led to the report was prompted by a story in the Marin Independent Journal, where a parent expressed difficulty in providing all the items on their children’s school supplies lists due to rising costs. The report also highlighted a 24% increase in the cost of goods, including school supplies.

Superintendents from San Rafael City Schools and Novato Unified School District have expressed agreement with the grand jury’s recommendations and stated their commitment to ensuring that families do not need to purchase supplies necessary for school. The Marin County schools superintendent also supported the findings and recommendations of the report.

While the Marin County Office of Education does not oversee school supplies at most schools in Marin, the grand jury did support the idea of schools accepting donations from civic groups, nonprofits, or businesses. These donations are seen as separate from the practice of soliciting parents with supply lists.

The full report is available on the grand jury’s website, and school districts are urged to address the issue if it is still happening in their schools. The community is encouraged to support schools by donating supplies to enhance classroom materials and provide resources for students to use at home.