BALDWIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Baldwin County School District has provided free school supplies for students for the past few years. But starting this summer, they say that's changing. No more free pencils and no more free books.
That means Baldwin's parents are already looking for deals.
Due to the Federal CARES Act expiring, the district will no longer provide school supplies to students next school year.
Two weeks ago, a parent and family advocate for the Baldwin County Early Learning Center posted on Facebook about it.
Now, parents are trying to figure out what their next steps are.
The Federal CARES Act funding supported these kids and their families for three years during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The district says it plans to work with schools and community organizations to help students when school starts back up in August.
Noris Price is the Baldwin County School District's superintendent.
"Although it's going to be a change, I think that we're going to be okay," Price said. "We're all about making sure that our children have what they need in order to be successful, so we're going to make sure that happens, and I don't want parents to worry."
Price says they are doing everything they can, which includes partnering with the community and with parents.
"We started talking to our parents last year letting them know that this was coming but then notifying them this year as well that we will not be able to provide school supplies," Price said. "However, we do have community organizations and community members that are very generous that are going to be supporting our families."
Ashley Broxton has two kids, a second grader named Kelsey and a fifth grader named Madison at Lakeview Academy.
"I don't think anyone should be worried, I'll be completely honest," Broxton said.
Broxton says when it comes to providing supplies for her kids, she has no issue getting what she needs and attending back-to-school bashes for free supplies. But she also understands that this can be a financial hardship.
"I can provide supplies for my kids but I know that there are some parents that may struggle," Braxton said. "Because I know firsthand from my background and growing up in an impoverished area, I know that as long as we know those different opportunities out there in the community, then we'll all be fine."
The school district says they are working with local groups on a grade-specific school supply list to make sure kids get what they need.
They will have that list ready by June 1.