I've been a science teacher in New Jersey for 13 years, and I can't even tell you how much of my own money I've spent on basic supplies like tape, pens, pencils, and staplers. I know this story is the same in underfunded public schools across the country. The economy is tough, but I think I have an idea that's win-win for everyone!



As I was driving around gathering donated supplies to give to Hurricane Sandy victims here in New Jersey, I was listening to the news. When I heard President Obama and Governor Christie working together to help affected communities, it was inspiring to hear them cutting through the partisan politics to help those in need. What an amazing lesson for kids (and all Americans) to see our elected leaders working together to help those who put them in office, right?

I think we can all use that same bipartisan spirit to help public schools which are desperately in need of assistance. President Obama and Governor Romney have hundreds, maybe even thousands, of campaign offices around the country, and I think it would mean a lot to the kids and teachers in these local public schools if the campaigns coordinated to donate their supplies to these communities after the election.

I am not sure what the plans are for all these campaign supplies once the campaign is over (maybe a warehouse? maybe a landfill?), but I can guarantee you that public schools nationwide could use a lot of it long after we know the election's winners and losers.

I don't think public schools should be turned into dumps to offload supplies, but just imagine how much it would mean to teachers if both the Obama and Romney campaigns came together to make this happen and at least offer the supplies if schools do really need and want them.

I'm not expecting free microscopes for classrooms like mine, but some pens and tape and maybe even a used printer sure wouldn't hurt!

Please sign my petition if you agree that public schools should be offered free supplies once the Obama and Romney campaigns no longer need them.