COLORADO SPRINGS — Many teachers dip into their own bank accounts on back-to-school supplies, which puts a big strain on their budgets.
The state is stepping up to help again this year.
Gov. Jared Polis announced a $2.7 million investment to fund classroom materials. That's up to $600 per teacher.
Funding is first come, first serve. Apply online now.
Polis said the money is coming from the Governor of Emergency Education Relief. He said this program helped more than 7,300 teachers last year.
I sat down with the Colorado Springs School District 11 Teacher Union president, Kevin Coughlin.
Coughlin said this would mean more well-stocked classrooms and fewer teachers digging into their own pockets.
Coughlin taught at D11's Mark Twain Elementary for a decade.
"I don't know any teacher that doesn't spend their own money in their classroom," said Coughlin. "The district buys some things, but never enough of what you need."
He told me teachers can spend hundreds on school supplies, but would rather put money toward other projects, classroom decorations or mental health resources.
"A lot of teachers would be happy to buy other materials for kids, they don't have the funds themselves," said Coughlin.
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