ACS on WVLT - Anderson County Schools giving every student school supplies

Posted Date: 07/20/2022

ANDERSON CO., Tenn. (WVLT) - Anderson County Schools officials announced Thursday that the school system would be supplying every student in the district with $40 worth of school supplies.

The decision was partly inspired by the rising cost of living, officials said. Director of Schools Tim Parrott told WVLT News that the money will come from board funding.

He also said the idea came to him when the school system got calls from parents concerned about purchasing school supplies. “I think any time we can do something to help the community out, it makes you feel good,” Parrott said.

“With the rising cost of food, gas, and other products caused by inflation, we hope that this initiative will help families in our community,” the announcement said.

WVLT News also spoke to Lyndsay McGhee, a parent in Anderson County, who said the supplies are a welcome gift for parents.

“With inflation, the cost of gas and groceries, just everything right now,” she said. “That $40 per student is helpful to a lot of people.” McGhee said she plans to use the money she’s saving to get some extra class supplies, like hand sanitizer.

Parrott said it will cost the board in total about $250,000.

“It’s going to make a difference for every family,” McGhee said.

The school system is also asking for donations from the community to further help their students.

Those interested can reach out to The Education Foundation for Clinton City and Anderson County Schools or donate at the foundation’s Stuff the Bus event on Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30, at Wal-Mart in Clinton. Customers can stop by from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the 29th and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 30th.