This resource is more important than ever, as reports indicate school supplies, like so many other consumer goods, are getting more expensive. Parents and students shopping for supplies in the Portland area at major retailers last week said everything feels more expensive, and school supplies are no exception. Morris sends school supplies to families in her home country of Jamaica at her own expense. At this age, her daughter’s school supplies list isn’t very long, but she wants a new backpack. BY THE NUMBERSThe cost of school supplies has jumped even more than last year because of increased oil prices and tariffs.