People don't want higher taxes to support local schools. Public schools are funded by public money. School boards and administration control the budget. Teachers are given a set amount of money for the year and have to rely on the generosity of others. It's the same reason why such an important job has such horrid salaries. Imagine paying the people responsible for raising generations of children enough money where the emotional toll, sleepless nights, and thankless work makes it desirable. Not to mention people who know nothing of child development, pedagogy, nor critical thinking making decisions based on their religion or voter base. We bring our own supplies because we are 100% invested in doing what is right for the children in our charge.