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Economy Playing Large Role In Back To School Activities

Last updated on Wednesday, August 10, 2011

(UNDATED) - Back-to-school shopping can be an expensive endeavor, especially in tough economic times.

The Indiana Retail Council says back-to-school sales are doing reasonably well, but Retail President Grant Monham says shoppers today are more value conscious than ever before.

Monhan says retailers always react well to the needs of the customers and will also go that extra mile to offer discounts. The National Retail Federation expects families to spend $603.63 on back-to-school items, from clothing to supplies, down slightly from last year's $606.40.

Parents Face Long Lines At School Drop-off Points

Franklin Township Schools went back today and parents faced long lines of traffic getting in and out of school. Parents waited, in some cases, close to an hour to drop their kids off.

The ratio of cars to busses was hundreds to a handful.

Many parents are opting to drive their kids to school because bussing in the township has been outsourced and costs a monthly fee. Parents say they simply can't afford the fees and something has to give.

Pierson says another issue is the changing start times for school - that is also making the commute hard.

Shrinking Budgets Cause Schools To Cut After School Programs

Schools are faced with shrinking budgets, forcing many districts to cut bus service, and charge fees for sports and club participation.

Indiana Youth Institute President Bill Stanczykiewicz encourages school districts to get out in front of the budget issues with communication and collaboration as it relates to tax referendums- to develop more local dollars and other strategies relating to fees and fundraising.

Stanczykiewicz also foresees advertisements showing up on school buses across the state in an effort to generate dollars.

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