Any parent can confirm that sending a child off to school, even a tax-supported public school, can get expensive.
First, there are all the things that must be bought at the start of every school year: shoes, clothes and supplies like paper, pencils and scissors.
Once the school year gets underway, there is the cost of breakfasts and lunches. And at some point in the year, the supply of pencils, paper and other necessities will have to be replenished.
For families with multiple children in school, all of this can add up to big expenses quickly.
That is why something the Fort Dodge Community School District is doing is remarkable.