The Freeport School District has hired a collection company to deal with the $15,000 in delinquent lunch accounts accrued by students.

BUFFALO TWP — Freeport School District parents with delinquent student lunch accounts should pay up or face an impact on their credit reports.

The school board voted last week to hire Creditech, a branch of Berkheimer and Associates, to serve as a collection agency for the many student lunch accounts that are in arrears.

Ryan Manzer, Freeport's business manager, said students will neither be shamed for having a delinquent account nor refused a basic lunch, but the growing number of delinquent accounts must be addressed.

Manzer said the total negative balance from delinquent lunch accounts is now $15,000.

The contract with Creditech begins on Aug. 15, and accounts with more than a $25 negative balance will be sent to the company on that date.

If parents pay their students' accounts or set up a payment plan with the district before Aug. 15, their account will not be sent to Creditech.

Those who wish to pay their account can send a check to Freeport School District, c/o Food Services Director Cassandra Mielke, 624 S. Pike Rd., Sarver, Pa. 16055.

Mielke can also set up payment plans, provide free and reduced lunch forms, or answer any questions at 724-295-5141, extension 1252.

A full story will appear in the Eagle.