Every day, Appleton teachers ensure students have what they need to learn, grow, and thrive in our schools. Often times, that means educators spend their own money on school supplies, classroom materials, and snacks.
The Need: A 2025 study by AdoptAClassroom.org shows teachers spend, on average, $895 out of pocket on supplies annually. In early 2024, an Appleton Education Foundation (AEF) survey of Appleton Area School District (AASD) staff revealed that 82.6% of respondents (including non-student-facing staff members) spend their own money to support students—averaging hundreds of dollars a year per staff member.
Our Goal: Reduce educators’ out-of-pocket spend on classroom and student supplies.
Pilot Success: Four schools participated in a pilot during the 2025-26 school year: Richmond Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Wilson Middle, and East High. In a survey, 72% of pilot participants said the Educators’ Resource Fund significantly or somewhat reduced their out-of-pocket spending.
Expansion: After a successful pilot year, AEF is expanding the Educators’ Resource Fund to all in-person delivery model schools and 4 programs within AASD. Funds are allocated to schools on a per pupil basis, factoring in economic status of students served. Each school leadership team further allocates funds by grade level or department, as they see fit.
By leveraging bulk purchasing power and a school-led allocation model, we ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most.
How to Support the Educators’ Resource Fund: Join us as a partner as we expand this program to support all AASD educators and students.
Questions about the Educators’ Resource Fund? Contact an Appleton Education Foundation staff member via email or phone: 920-832-1517.
