INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Public Schools are going back to school Monday, and parents are gearing up for back-to-school shopping.

Finance professor Russell Rhoads at Indiana University Kelly School of Business said Thursday that parents are spending less this year on school supplies. That’s due to inflation, and President Donald Trump’s tariffs threatening to drive up traffic. It’s left some parents worried and they’re tightening up their budgets.

Rachel Thomas, a mom of a grader-schooler and a high-schooler, said, “Everything is so expensive, especially if you have more than one kid. Everything sky-rocketed so high.”

Rhoads’ research found back-to-school shopping started early this year, in June. Families loaded up supplies, hoping to score some sales, but the professor said the early shoppers were picky, waiting for better deals, and instead spent less this year despite higher prices.

“People are looking for sales. People are being budget-sensitive. We’ve seen that in the numbers as well. They are starting early, trying to be patient for sales. So if you come across something and you need it for school, I say jump on it as soon as possible.”

Rhoades also recommended buying an item if it’s on sale because there may be shortages of school supplies.

Thomas saw prices tick up. “They are probably up an extra $2 per binder or whatever. I usually spend about $300 on both of them (her kids) for school supplies. It’s probably about $400 just to get them everything they need.”

That’s why Rachel found going to Back to School Night on Thursday night in Shortridge High School with her kids was extremely helpful. The school district welcomed students and supplied them with free backpacks, notebooks, pens, and more.

Shortridge 10th grader Ti’Asia Taylor unboxed her new shoes, a Chromebook, and a backpack that she received at the event. “I think it’s a privilege. I think I should be grateful for it because not a lot of kids get these chances. It’s a privilege.”

Twenty-nine community organizations set up booths at the event. Some donated basic items like feminine hygiene products and clothes.

Shortridge High School Principal Andrea Salmon said, “We try to offset the things that are costing families a lot of money right now. There are so many people in the community who are willing to help us out, and we’re so grateful for that because we want kids to start strong with all the things they need.”

IPS will host back-to-school nights in various schools through Friday. Thomas said it’s a good thing. “Not everyone is working or as fortunate, and they can’t really go out and get everything that they need and spend that kind of money because the economy is hard for everybody.”

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