The Fort Dodge Community School District (FDCSD) is excited to announce a significant initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on families by covering the cost of essential school supplies for elementary students, including preschool, Kindergarten, and transitional Kindergarten.
In a move designed to support families and ensure all elementary students have the materials they need for a successful school year, the district is investing $49,798.25 in basic school supplies. These supplies include pencils, markers, glue, scissors, and crayons, ensuring that every student has access to the tools necessary for learning and creativity.
“The money will be coming from the district's general fund and included as a budget item moving forward. Removing this obligation from families has long been a dream of mine. We have been working hard to carve out this opportunity within our operating budget,” said Brandon Hansel, Executive Director of Financial Services for Fort Dodge Community School District.
While the district will cover many of the basics, school supply lists will still include items such as backpacks, notebooks, folders, and headphones. By covering the cost of essential classroom supplies, FDCSD aims to lessen the financial load on families, making back-to-school preparations more manageable and equitable.
"We understand that the cost of school supplies can be a significant burden for families, especially those with multiple children," said Josh Porter, Superintendent of Fort Dodge Community School District. "Our goal is to alleviate some of this stress and ensure that all our students start the school year on an equal footing, ready to learn and succeed."
Additionally, through a partnership with Gear Up and Texas Instruments, all Fort Dodge 7th and 8th graders will receive their graphing calculators at no cost. “Fort Dodge Community School District is a recipient of the Gear Up grant. We receive this state-funded grant to support students in preparing, enrolling, and persisting through post-secondary education. In partnerships with FDCSD, students and their families receive services to prepare them academically, financially, and inspirationally to enroll in and succeed in post-secondary education,” said Teri Boezinger, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
The initiative reflects the district's ongoing commitment to supporting its students and families and fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
