NC Teachers Face Heavy Out-of-Pocket Costs — Currituck Launches Supply Store to Help

North Carolina’s teachers are paying a steep price — literally — to keep their classrooms running. For decades, educators across the U.S. have quietly reached into their own wallets to purchase classroom essentials, from notebooks and markers to cleaning supplies and snacks for students. What was once considered an occasional gesture of generosity has, over the years, become a standard expectation in public education. According to recent figures from the Currituck Education Foundation, North Carolina teachers in 2025 are expected to spend an average of $1,632 of their own money on school supplies — the second-highest out-of-pocket spending in the nation, trailing only California. That’s up sharply from pre-pandemic levels, when the average hovered just over $900. A Growing Burden Over the Years Data from teacher unions, state agencies, and national surveys tell a story of steadily rising costs: 2015 – NC teachers reported spending an average of $513 annually. 2018 – The number climbed to roughly $726, as classroom technology needs grew. 2020 (COVID-19 Pandemic) – Teachers faced an average of $1,050 in out-of-pocket expenses, driven by virtual learning tools and at-home supply kits. 2022 – Post-pandemic classroom restocking pushed the average to $1,380. 2025 – The latest figure, $1,632, marks a nearly 220% increase from a decade ago. For many educators, these costs are compounded by modest salaries. North Carolina’s average teacher pay ranks in the lower half of U.S. states, meaning these purchases often cut into already tight household budgets. “We’re talking about professionals who are buying basics — pencils, tissues, even soap — because without them, students go without,” said Melissa Harrison, vice-chair of the Currituck Education Foundation and a member of the County Board of Education. “That’s not sustainable.” Currituck’s Answer: The Teacher Supply Store To combat this growing financial strain, the Teacher Supply Store will open on Monday, August 18 at Currituck Middle School. Rather than a traditional storefront, the initiative will operate out of a stocked trailer, making it portable and cost-efficient. The launch date comes just one week before the 2025–2026 school year begins on August 25. The concept was inspired by a visit to a similar store in Chesapeake, Virginia, which has already proven successful in reducing teacher expenses. “It will have a wide variety of things teachers need that they normally spend their own money on,” Harrison said. “From notepads and children’s books to Clorox wipes and glue sticks.” How It Works Hours: Open every other Thursday and on Teacher Workdays. Staffing: Run entirely by volunteers from the Currituck Education Foundation. Access: Free to all educators in Currituck County Schools. The store’s goal is not just to cut teacher spending, but to ensure classrooms are consistently stocked without relying on last-minute personal purchases. Funding and Donations The program has already raised about $2,600 through local fundraising, with community members donating both money and physical supplies. But Harrison says the need is ongoing. The Foundation is asking for: Children’s books Organizational supplies such as bins, folders, and desk organizers Ways to donate: Online via PayPal at currituckeducationfoundation.org/donors.html — include “Teacher Supply Store” in the special instructions. Amazon Wish List orders shipped directly to the Foundation. More Than Just Supplies The Foundation likens the project to cultivating a thriving garden: when teachers have the right tools, students flourish. “This is about valuing teachers’ work,” Harrison said. “They should be able to focus on educating, not figuring out how to cover the cost of glue sticks and hand sanitizer.” With opening day approaching, Currituck’s educators may soon get more than just a restocked supply closet — they may get a little breathing room in their personal budgets, too.

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