NORTON - The economy is down, and so is the middle school parent board's fundraising.

A magazine drive this fall "struggled to get $9,000" after raising $18,000 in 2006 and $12,000 in 2007, board Treasurer Cheryl Orsi told the school committee this week.

And a Yankee Candle fundraiser held this fall also is expected to be down from 2007, she said.

The group raises funds for speakers, materials and equipment that the school budget cannot absorb.

"The first two fundraisers were horrible by last year's standards," parent board Chairwoman Judy Bostrom said. Orsi said the parent board will hold a book fair in the school library Nov. 4 to Nov. 14.

The board will fund a Western night show this spring. The parents funded an Egyptian night last spring.

Among the other events the parents support are a teacher appreciation week, and an eighth grade dinner dance.