On a serious note, my nephew goes to school in the Oakland school district. The same year (96?) that this nonsense began, there were not enough desks for the students. For THREE months he used a clipboard whenever he had to do any writing. For less than $300 per classroom, the district could've purchased those large folding tables at Office Max, etc.
I was furious at my sister for not doing anything about it. My kids know that I would have spent every day jumping up and down on the principal's desk, until there were enough desks or writing tables for every student.
OTOH, my kids were in private school before we moved to Dallas. We're satisfied with our school district (Coppell), but our newest addition will go to a church school when he's ready for kindergarten (he's 3 months old).