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August 31, 2004

School Supplies

So far this year, I've purchased a box of paper ($28), folders and notebooks ($13), cables to hook up *my* computer to the classroom TV for presentations and movies ($14), dry erase markers and various supplies ($20), and a toner cartridge for the school's laser printer ($92 refurbished). And that's just three weeks into the year.

My campus has no paper for copies. Every teacher in the building has begged, borrowed, or bought their own paper. The district, in its infinite wisdom, purchased huge laser printers--for the one computer in each room--whose toner cartidges cost around $325 (they refuse to consider refurbished) to replace. Needless to say, we ain't gettin' new cartidges anytime soon and I'm actually breaking district policy by buying a refurbished one. Their response? "Just shake the cartridge a little." Ridiculous.

Posted by tat at August 31, 2004 04:16 PM
Comments

Bryan, as a new teacher, I have spent in excess of $500.00 so far this school year. The majority is spent on paperback books for my room, in that we're to provide a "classroom library", yet it is not provided for us. Our previous principal, in her infinite wisdom spent all of our "activity" funds (discretionary monies) before she left, so we are awaiting Title I money to arrive in September. I am currently using my own home printer for things because the district's technology people (three for the entire LISD) have yet to get my printer working). I do have a new computer in my room; however, it is not mapped correctly and so far, I am unable to use it for email, etc. So when they start talking about $1 million for a new football turf, and I had to beg for a pair of scissors and a stapler, well.......

Posted by: Susan at August 31, 2004 10:13 PM

I certtainly like the " This product was withdrawn from marketing in the United States on April 7, 2003." part of the description of the laser printer you've got at your school... I bet it's really easy to fix when it breaks, too...

Posted by: ToddDrevers at September 3, 2004 09:45 AM