Taxpayers to cover school costs if needed

Graduation necessities can be costly, but this year they will be free of charge for some. A new law ensures low income students have the same campus opportunities as their peers. For the first time, the state is helping school districts provide graduation attire for students who cannot afford it.

Chris Wendler has three kids and one of them is getting ready to graduate. He says he has already spent over $100 on graduation essentials.

It’s a price not everyone can afford, which is why the state of California is using taypayer dollars to step up and help.

“It’s about time they’re helping,” said Wendler. “They should be doing more.”

Dr. Darryl Adams, Superintendent for the Coachella Valley Unified School District, says even before this law came into play the district was happy to help.

“We’re here to serve our students and our families as well and so we look to provide any kind of support we can when there is a financial hardship,” said Dr. Adams.

According to Dr. Adams, the new law will help with more than just caps and gowns for graduation.

“This also refers to books, supplies, lab material, things of that nature,” added Dr. Adams. “So, we go out of our way to ensure that we’re providing all those materials for our students and there’s very little a family has to worry about when it comes to supplies and materials for school.”

Dr. Adams suggests those in need of financial assistance contact their school principal.