Student Debt Enforcement
A new policy related to student debt was approved by a 3-1 vote of the Board of Education (BOE) on August 27th. Members Dorothy Andrew and Josh Guy joined Chair Karin Bailey to vote in favor, with Mary Washington the sole dissenting vote. Cathy Allen was not present at the meeting.
The policy was introduced at the BOE’s July 30 meeting. Superintendent Scott Smith said student debt has been tracked for several years, and attempts to collect have been made but parents “aren’t being as responsive as they need to be.” Debts are accrued by students because of lost or damaged technology and school property, fees associated with extracurricular activities and media, and from meal accounts. “It appears as if nobody seems to care if their kid has accumulated hundreds of dollars in meal debt,” Smith continued.
Mike Watson, Chief Operating Officer of St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS), reviewed the proposed policy developed by a Student Debt and Accountability Workgroup. The policy’s purpose is “to establish clear guidelines and procedures” on the matter, formalizing expectations and consequences. SMCPS has tracked nearly $400,000 in student debt owed by actively enrolled students. Around $240,000 of that is technology debt which has grown in the wake of social media trends encouraging students to intentionally damage laptops. Meal debts total $135,000, and media over $27,000. Watson said they’re still researching debt from other items–like sports uniforms–issued to students but not returned.
Consequences of nonpayment could mean restriction from participating in extracurricular activities and ineligibility “for other privileges or benefits until debts are resolved or a payment plan is established.” Mary Washington took issue with this, saying it was unfair to hold students responsible for their parents' failure to pay the debt. While debt is incurred by students, the policy makes clear it is the parent or guardian’s obligation to pay. Vanessa Li, student member of the board, asked if graduation activities could be restricted. Watson said the workgroup had discussed it but hadn’t reached a decision.
From SMCPS Presentation
No public comment was submitted at the August 13th BOE meeting, and the policy moved forward for second reading and approval on August 27th. Dorothy Andrews asked how students would be approached in a situation where their debt would prevent participation in something. COO Watson said the policy’s regulation would outline the procedures, but in general any student who has a debt should be aware because of previous attempts to contact. Superintendent Smith said “schools sent out an unprecedented amount of notifications” to students and parents.
SMCPS policies are passed by the BOE, but the policy’s regulations written by staff govern its execution. Chair Bailey suggested the regulations permit students, in addition to parents, to appeal debts. The request made it into the posted regulation, which specifies that student restrictions remain in place during the appeals process. Restricted activities might include "extracurriculars, seasonal sports tryouts, field trips, dances, or other privileges.” Students may be ineligible for “parking permits, graduation tickets, or student records.” To pursue collections, the school may send reminder paper or electronic notices, make phone calls, or hire collection agencies.
“Part of this is to put into writing things we have historically been doing,” said Superintendent Smith. But Washington was unmoved. She maintained that debt should be paid, but it shouldn’t exclude students from participation because it penalizes students for parent’s inaction. It was stressed that payment options including installments or hardship assistance waivers are available.
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