Detroit School Begging Toilet Paper!

If this isn't a sign of the times...

DETROIT -- A Detroit elementary school is asking for donations of toilet paper and light bulbs to continue functioning.

The principal of the Academy of Americas sent a letter to staff, parents and partners asking for donations of items "that are of the utmost importance for proper school functioning and most importantly for student health and safety."

In the letter, Principal Naomi Khalil cited budget constraints within the district as the reason that the school could no longer stock the items.

The district is grappling with a more than $400 million budget deficit and is on the verge of being assigned an emergency financial manager by the state.

The letter asks for toilet paper, paper towel rolls, trash bags and 60-, 100- or 150-watt light bulbs.

Reminded me of maternal grandmother's school stories. She walked a few miles to school and each week someone in her school was charged with bringing in firewood; another was responsible for cleaning the classroom and still another for drawing water from the well. Parents really had a voice in their schools so every fall the parents gathered to work on the building and clean it from ceiling to cellar. A wood cutting bee and community supper was a huge social event for her community and the teacher usually lived with one of the families.

I hope the news media does a follow up to the Detroit school story. Will be interesting to see how people resond.