‘Wages have not kept up’: Economist weighs in on school supply inflation as Bryan-College Station gives back ahead of new term

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – More than halfway through the summer break, families with students across the Bryan-College Station area are getting ready to drop some cash on back-to-school supplies.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), families will be spending more money on school supplies for the 2024-2025 term than ever before. The NRF reported that shoppers will spend $890.07 on back-to-school items, beating last year’s broken record by $25.72.

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“There’s not much any of us can do about prices,” said economist, Dr. Dennis Jansen with Texas A&M University.

Jansen said back-to-school shopping will likely be more stressful for the average family, and especially lower-income families.

“Wages have not kept up with inflation, which is partly why people are pretty disappointed with the economy,” said Jansen.

It’s not just pencils and folders costing more, either.

“If you’re going to go get your kid a haircut for school it’s also going to cost you more money,” Dr. Jansen disclosed.

In turn, Kingdom Barber Studio is hosting its 2nd Annual Back to School Blessings event the weekend ahead of when Bryan and College Station ISDs welcome students back. The event promises free haircuts for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, some school supplies, and sending the kids off with a prayer. School supplies and monetary donations will also be accepted.

The 2nd Annual Back to School Blessings event will be held Saturday, Aug. 10 at Kingdom Barber Studio – 4413 A South Texas Avenue in Bryan.

Likewise, the Junior League of Bryan-College Station (JLBCS) will host its 24th annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive between July 31 and Aug. 3.

2024 Stuff the Bus JLBCS

When and where:

Wednesday, July 31
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Blue Baker – 800 University Drive EastThursday, August 1
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tower Point HEB – 949 William D. Fitch ParkwayFriday, August 2
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
First Friday – Downtown BryanSaturday, August 3
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tejas Center HEB – 725 East Villa Maria Road

Kristen with JLBCS told KBTX the organization expects to give away $70,000 worth of school supplies.

“Kids shouldn’t have to worry about where their pens and pencils come from, they should just worry about being kids,” Kristen said.

If you know a child in need of school supplies this year, JLBCS suggests contacting your school district to be placed on a distribution list.

Bryan ISD’s first day of school will be Tuesday, Aug. 13 and College Station ISD’s first day is Wednesday, Aug. 14.