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Board approves CreditTech collection contract after discussion of food-service debt and outreach to families
Summary
Wilson School Board approved a one-year agreement with CreditTech Inc. for debt collection services; board members and staff discussed food-service debt (estimated up to about $50,000), payment-plan options and outreach to encourage eligible families to apply for free or reduced-price meals.
The Wilson School Board on Aug. 4 voted 7-0 to approve a one-year agreement with CreditTech Inc. for debt collection services (agenda item 7.3), following board questions about how the district handles outstanding food-service and other student-account balances.
Mr. Schneider moved the motion; Dr. Kennedy seconded. The roll-call vote recorded seven yes, zero no.
Board member Mr. Hart asked whether the district accounts for families who may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals but have not applied. Christine Schlossman (staff member) responded that parents receive letters and phone calls about outstanding debts and that the district offers payment plans and other arrangements when families report inability to pay. Schlossman said food-services staff provide translation and in-person help at packet pickup events and that principals, counselors and social workers can assist families with the free/reduced application process.
Schlossman estimated food-service debt in the district can reach roughly the $50,000 range, noting that the district already uses third-party collectors and that CreditTech was chosen after professional references and a presentation at a PASBO conference. She said the company had produced satisfactory returns for other districts but cautioned that collection results are limited when families move out of district and when identifying information (such as Social Security numbers) is not available.
Staff also explained that federal- and state-level program changes during and after the COVID-19 period temporarily changed meal subsidies: breakfast is now free for all students, while lunch is not universally free and can be charged to accounts for families who have not applied for free or reduced-price status. Schlossman encouraged families to complete the district's free-and-reduced application and said food-services staff will help with paperwork and translation when needed.
The board recorded no amendments to the contract at the meeting. Members who spoke in discussion praised staff outreach and asked administration to evaluate additional proactive strategies to identify and assist eligible families.
