I think somewhere along the line, the point was confused.

I think it's a matter of why our tax dollars aren't being used to supply our teachers with needed supplies?

That's what I take from it -

I would never have an issue sending basic school supplies that my child NEEDS in order to do his job (as a student)

But why should I buy dry erase markers??

Why should the teacher spend $$$ out of pocket to have needed items???

Where exactly are the tax dollars being spent?

I still pay school tax even though I do not utilize public schools - so I have the right to ask where my tax dollars are being spent!!??

As for our private school - I still have a list - it's a reasonable list.

Each teacher also added a "wish list" - which is the PERFECT way to ask for extras IMO.

these are not the needed supplies for my student for the school year, instead, this is a list of 'extras' such as colored copy paper, hard candy, post it notes, index cards, etc.

I used my Staples rewards to buy wish list items. I don't mind as long as it's ASKED of me, and not expected or demanded. ((this is true of most things though))

Why do teachers choose to spend so much $$ out of pocket??

Would you do that if you worked in a different profession?

Would it make the point to the school system if you didn't buy extra stuff??

These are just questions - not judgements -