Michigan back-to-school spending is up. How much teachers, parents are shelling out

The 2025-26 school year is underway in Michigan, and a recent survey shows parents and teachers are spending significantly more for back-to-school supplies than a year ago.

"The cost of keeping classrooms stocked is quickly reaching a breaking point," CouponBirds' Ben Treanor wrote. "Teachers aren't just supplementing the odd box of Kleenex anymore; they're footing the bill for essentials that keep their classrooms functioning. Meanwhile, parents face their own uphill climb, trying to keep up with back-to-school demands on tighter and tighter budgets."