Someone may be coming to collect from students who owe money in District 207

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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:16AM

Students have been racking up debt in Maine Township High School District 207, and officials are considering using a collection agency to get their money back.

Business Director Mary Kalou said there’s slightly more than $100,000 owed to the school district.

“We’ve been watching and it’s been growing,” Kalou said.

She said a senior could have racked up outstanding costs during the past four years.

“We knew once we went through this year’s book sales we wanted to take a look at how much was outstanding,” she explained.

Kalou said nearly 500 students owe money for a host of different things, such as outstanding books and athletic equipment.

Kalou said students are not required to buy their own athletic equipment, but they are required to return borrowed equipment.

A number of different collection agencies have approached the school district to offer their services, but the district hasn’t selected an agency yet.

Kalou said she is unsure when this item will appear before the Board of Education for approval.

If the district decides to use a collection agency, parents will first be notified by letters sent home.

“If the school’s letter doesn’t get a response, they’ll be turned over to the collection agency,” Kalou said.

Kalou said collection agencies claim to have been successful in collecting money owed by students at other school districts.