As the academic year gets underway this month across Middle Tennessee, many parents are getting an uncomfortable reminder of the many expenses that come along with having school-aged children. Clothes. Bookbags. Textbooks. Band instruments. The list goes on and on. For low-income families, these school costs are more than just an inconvenience — they sometimes represent a significant portion of a household’s monthly budget. But what those families may not realize is that Tennessee, unlike many other states, offers relief from many classroom-related costs as part of children’s right to a free public education. According to state law, no public…