Local teachers turn to GoFundMe to fundraise for classroom needs

School supplies for West Side students and rugs for an acting class in Kalihi are among the items on teachers’ wish lists this back-to-school season.

Crawford Mitchell, a 7th and 8th grade science teacher at preK-12 charter school Kamaile Academy in Waiʻanae, took to GoFundMe “once again to ask for your help in making sure that all of our children have equitable access to school supplies and funding,” he said on the platform.

He explained that as a Title I school, it is “in the lowest income and funding brackets,” meaning the need is greater for “as many opportunities as possible.”

As of Thursday, the fundraiser was about 80% toward a goal of $1,300.

Kamaile Academy’s mission statement is “to prepare self-directed, self-aware, college-ready learners who embrace the challenges of obstacles, experience the pride of perseverance and accomplishments, and demonstrate the strength of ʻohana and community.”

In addition, Kalihi’s Farrington High School Teacher Kirstyn Trombetta is raising funds to purchase two large area rugs for her acting class.

“These rugs may seem like a small addition, but they will make a huge impact,” she wrote.” Most of our acting activities happen on the floor — warmups, rehearsals, improv games, scene work, and more. But currently, our classroom has a cold, hard tile floor that’s uncomfortable and distracting for students who are expected to move, sit and engage with energy and focus.

She expects these cozy rugs will create a welcoming environment that encourages creativity and permit a soft space for physical movement.

“If you believe in the importance of arts education and want to directly support the next generation of storytellers, performers, and empathetic leaders — please consider donating,” Trombetta said.

Farrington High School's mission is “to promote rigorous learning through relevant instruction and supportive relationships, preparing students to be college and career ready.”

Today, it is more common for teachers to use crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe and DonorsChoose, among others, to solicit community support. According to GoFundeMe, thousands of educators nationwide raised over $3.3 million in total in 2024, and more than $1 billion in total since 2010.

A survey by the Learning Policy Institute, found that 95% of public school teachers across the country spent hundreds of dollars on classroom supplies without being reimbursed for the 2019–2020 school year.

This year, Hawai’i teacher salaries began at $53,390 for those with a teaching license and bachelor’s degree, Honolulu Civil Beat reported in June. The average salary for a kindergarten teacher in the state is $61,756 annually, according to Indeed.

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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.