After a lengthy discussion and 7-2 vote last Thursday, the Quakertown School Board adopted a policy to deter the accumulation of student debt in the district. While Thursday night's discussion focused on school lunch debt, the policy will also cover lost or damaged technology equipment and text books, uniforms and other fees.

            Under the new policy, students with accumulated debt may be restricted from participating in field trips or other extra-curricular activities. Debt totaling $1,000 or more will be sent to a collection agency.

            Chief Operating Officer Zachary Schoch explained that the policy was developed because the district has seen a considerable increase in accumulated debt with the passage of PA Act 55 in 2017. The amendment to the Pennsylvania Public School Code prohibits public school districts from denying a student a regular school lunch meal based upon the students' ability to pay when the meal is requested.

            The district was forced to settle out $27,000 in total debt last year. That number is projected to hit $40,000 this school year.

            Currently, the district sends a debt letter to parents who owe money every two weeks. According to Director Kaylyn Mitchell, that letter contains information on how to apply for free or reduced lunch.

            "One thing I am proud of in this district that we try to do is work with parents," Mitchell said. "The most important thing for the public to know is we will never deny a child a lunch."

            Mitchell, along with Director David Ochmanowicz voted against adoption of the policy. Ochmanowicz expressed an issue specifically with restricting students from activities.

            "You don't know what these people are going through," Ochmanowicz said. "You are holding spite over their head that their parent has a lunch debt."

            A motion to strike the activity restrictions from the policy was defeated 2-7 with Mitchell and Ochmanowicz voting to remove that language.

            Director Jonathon Kern countered that the district has to address the increasing accumulated debt.

            "The data shows an increase happened coincident with Harrisburg putting out another feel good act," Kern said.

            Before the vote, Director Keith Micucci reiterated that mechanisms are in place to help families who cannot afford lunch.

            With the policy adopted, district staff will now develop an administrative regulation document to guide implementation.  

            "The district would certainly work with any parent or guardian who came forward needing help in paying off their students' debt," QCSD Director of Communications Gary Weckselblatt noted after the meeting.