8-08-2025 7:51am

Back to School Sticker Shock Hits Otero County Families

Chris Edwards Editor

Otero County, New Mexico, has a higher poverty rate than both the state and national averages. Specifically, the poverty rate for individuals aged 18-64 in Otero County is 17.2%, compared to the New Mexico average of 16.4%and the national average of 11.5%, according to www.welfareinfo.org. A profile from Census Reporter states the county's poverty rate is about 20% higher than the state average and more than 1.5 times the national rate. While our local state party leadership of both the Republican and Democratic Parties throw out press releases and social media posts on Gabe Vasquez, border security, ignoring the Epstein files, etc local families are struggling just to purchase school supplies due to higher tariffs and inflation that is still out of control 8 months into the new administration and new congress.

Eight months later those in office own the inflation issues.

Reports indicate that school supply costs are on the rise in Otero County, New Mexico, mirroring a broader trend of increased back-to-school spending nationwide. Families with children in elementary through high school are planning to spend a significant amount on school supplies, including clothing, shoes, and electronics. This trend is driven, in part, by inflation, which has impacted the cost of various goods and services, including school supplies

For instance, KOB.com reported in July 2025on concerns among Rio Rancho parents about the rising costs, with one parent estimating that what used to cost $50 per student now costs nearly $200.

Locally small business owners claim they are feeling the pinch as customers that normally come in to browse and shop are coming in and not purchasing saying all of their extra money this month is being eaten up with the purchase of back to school items and they are broke. The impact trickles down to these small business owners struggle to meet their financial obligations as well.

Recognizing the potential strain on families due to increased costs, several initiatives and resources are available in Otero County and New Mexico:

School Districts and Community Organizations: Alamogordo Public Schools (APS) provides a school supply list on their website and mentions assistance through their H.O.P.E. team for families needing help with supplies, clothing, or other services.

TeachOtero: This initiative, of the Sacramento Mountains Foundation, offers grants of up to $1,000 to teachers in Otero County to help purchase equipment, supplies, or support enrichment activities for students, according to Teachotero.org.

100% Otero County Initiative: This initiative aims to create 100% Family Centers, including community schools as service hubs, to connect families with various services, including help with school supplies.

New Mexico Child Support Services Division (CSSD): This organization collects school supplies to aid students statewide. Donations can be made at any of their field offices or the Central Office in Santa Fe, notes the New Mexico Sun.

FindHelp.org: This website lists various programs offering financial assistance for school-related expenses, including supplies, in areas like Alamogordo and Las Cruces.

Tax-Free Weekend: New Mexico holds a tax-free weekend, during which purchases of eligible items, including some school supplies, are exempt from sales tax. This can offer some savings to families on back-to-school purchases.

In essence, while increased school supply costs are a reality in Otero County, as they are elsewhere, various organizations and initiatives are working to support families and teachers in ensuring students have the resources they need for a successful academic year.