St. Mary's County Board of Education approves student-debt policy after debate over extracurricular restrictions

The St. Mary's County Board of Education voted Aug. 27 to adopt Policy JFI, a new student-debt policy that formalizes how St. Mary's County Public Schools will define, notify about and collect debts tied to school activities.

The policy passed after a second reading and discussion among board members, who pressed staff on safeguards for students, how families will be notified, and whether unpaid debts can bar students from extracurricular activities.

The board approved the policy by voice vote; the motion carried following debate and at least one member registering opposition. The board directed staff to finish a companion regulation and return with implementation details during the school year.

The policy and what it covers

Policy JFI defines “student debt” as "any financial obligation incurred by a student, which is the responsibility of their parent or guardian to the school system resulting from charges such as meal accounts, lost or damaged technology, lost or damaged school property, fees associated with extracurricular activities, library fines, or other approved charges related to school activities." Dr. J.R. Beavers, deputy superintendent, said the language was revised to replace words such as "owed" with "incurred" and to clarify both district obligations and student restrictions.

“We changed that from will to shall: the school system shall follow applicable laws and…