By 1808Delaware
As the summer draws to a close, students, parents, and educators across Delaware County are preparing for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Each district has its own start dates, ensuring a smooth transition back into the classroom.
Start Dates for Schools in Delaware County
- Big Walnut Local Schools: The first day of school is set for August 16, with preschool beginning on August 19.
- Buckeye Valley Local Schools: Classes start on August 14. Kindergartners will have staggered start days between August 14-20, with all kindergartners attending by August 21.
- Delaware City Schools: Students will return on August 14.
- Olentangy Local Schools: The school year kicks off on Thursday, August 15.
- Westerville City Schools: The start dates are staggered, with grades 1-5, 6, and 9 beginning on August 14. Kindergarten students have a gentle start between August 14-16, and preschool students between August 14-15. By August 19, all students, including preschool and kindergarten, will be in full attendance.
Back-to-School Shopping: A Look at the Numbers
Back-to-school shopping is a significant event for families across the country. In 2023, Americans spent a staggering $135.5 billion on back-to-school and back-to-college shopping. The average household budgeted $890.07 for these purchases, with an average of $597 spent per child on school supplies for K-12 students.
This year, many families will continue to shop both in-store and online, with 74% of consumers planning to make their purchases in-store and 56% shopping online.
Ohio Sales Tax Holiday: A Financial Relief for Families
The Ohio Sales Tax Holiday, an annual event, provides families with an opportunity to save on back-to-school purchases. For 2024, the holiday has been expanded both in duration and in the range of items covered.
- End Date: The holiday ends on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 11:59 PM.
- Price Limit: Most tangible personal property priced up to $500 per item is eligible for the sales tax exemption.
- Included Items: The expanded list includes clothing, school supplies, instructional materials, electronics such as laptops, diapers, and even restaurant meals (dine-in only).
The primary goal of this sales tax holiday is to ease the financial burden on families as they prepare for the upcoming school year, while also providing a boost to local retailers by encouraging increased consumer spending during this period.
