As New York City gears up for another school year, over 3,000 public school teachers have turned to DonorsChoose.org to request critical classroom supplies—even though the city’s Department of Education is poised to spend an unprecedented $42,168 per student.
Teachers from across the five boroughs are fundraising for everyday necessities—from bandages and toiletries to art supplies and coats—because their schools’ budgets fall short. One fifth-grade teacher shared she gets only about $3 per student, forcing her to cover costs personally or seek community support.
Though schools offer a Teacher’s Choice reimbursement program, it covers only a fraction of what educators actually spend. Meanwhile, critics call the crowdfunding trend a glaring sign of budget mismanagement and inefficiency in resource allocation.