 Kate Ryan, WTOP News. Well, it's almost time, I can't believe I'm saying this, for children to head back to school. Just how much of their supplies are going to actually cost this year? Back-to-school spending this year is expected to be flat or even lower nationwide as shoppers cut back on expensive electronics like laptops and personal computers. That's according to Deloitte, a company that provides audit, financial and tax-related services.