S.D. bucks national back-to-school cost increase trend

South Dakota parents feeling the strain of back-to-school shopping can take a sigh of relief.

School supply costs are down from last year, and the state is bucking the trend of higher activity fees nationwide.

"We're in really good shape compared to some of those states that have legislation that's allowed for pay-to-play," said John Krogstrand, assistant executive director for the South Dakota High School Activities Association.

Parents can still expect to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on back-to-school shopping, according to the annual Huntington Backpack Index released Wednesday.

For the 2016-2017 school year, the index estimates the average cost per child at:

• $659 for elementary school children, a 1.5 percent increase compared to 2015.
• $957 for middle school children, a 1.6 percent increase compared to 2015.
• $1,498 for high school students, a 6.8 percent increase compared to 2015.

The Highlighter: An education newsletter for parents

What's spiked the most nationally are "pay-to-play" fees that don't exist in South Dakota, meaning those amounts are likely at least a couple-hundred dollars less for parents in the state.

"It's just another benefit of living in South Dakota," Krogstrand said, adding that parents do see some costs, including athletic shoes or cleats.

Lori Woods has a daughter and son at Washington High School, both involved in sports. She said most of the money her family spends on sports is beyond what is necessary for participation, for example, purchasing extra "spirit wear" or donating money to the school's booster club.

"They really can play at no cost," Woods said.

Students in club sports do have pay-to-play fees, but parent Fran Pullen said scholarships are available for low-income families.

Pullen pays $300 annually for her son to play baseball, a cost she has not seen increase in the last year. Club sports also receive support from the local booster club, which helps them provide equipment and uniforms for students.

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When it comes filling backpacks, Pullen said she spends less on school supplies as her kids get older.

Parents of elementary school children can expect a slight decrease from last year, but the more significant decreases are in middle and high school, according to the Backpack Index.

Between her middle and high-school students,Pullen barely buys any supplies because her kids work primarily on Chromebooks.

"They do all their homework on the Chromebooks," Pullen said. "I rarely see paper, so we aren't really buying much of anything."

Tips for saving on back-to-school shopping: 

• Estimate spending ahead of time, and stick to your school supply list.
• Consider shopping year-round. Look for Cyber Monday or Black Friday deals. 
• Look for community resources and backpack giveaways. In Sioux Falls, Project SOS collects supplies for low-income families.