The fallout surrounding a threatening letter sent by a Pennsylvania school district to parents who owed lunch money debts continues. The letter stated that parents who didn’t pay the bills might end up losing their children to foster care.
Charles Coslett, District Solicitor, is now unemployed. However, he said he did not write the letter or sign it. He believes he is being used as a scapegoat and wants to set the record straight.
He admitted he consulted with school district officials about what the letter might say. He said he also let them know what options were at their disposal regarding delinquent lunch bills.
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One available option was to take parents to dependency court. This action could lead to their children being sent to foster homes if they did not make good on the bills. Coslett contends that school board vice-president Dave Usavage’s comments ignited the ensuing controversy, saying:
“The only thing that was missing was when are we going to put them in cages and send them to Mexico. I was a little concerned with that. I really was. That was … that was harsh, I thought it was harsh … the letter.
The reckless statements of one board member that he thought this was like putting kids in cages is … typical of the remarks I would expect from that board member … totally irresponsible.”1
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But Usavage claims it was Coslett that was reckless. He denies playing politics to force Coslett out. Usavage said:
“I refuse to get into a debate with someone whose only connection to the district is the fact that he is an alumnus. I would match my reputation as a teacher and a board member with Coslett’s reputation any day or night of the year.“1
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Coslett is having a hard time with the situation, saying:
” … I just came from my internist he said you’re under a lot of stress right now and I am.. this too shall pass. My faith will carry me though.
I’ve made mistakes. Who hasn’t? I thank God for the opportunity that was presented for five years. … God will make this right.“1
District officials were asked why, if Coslett wrote the letter, was it signed by someone else. They did not receive a response.
It certainly appears as though there are still many unanswered questions surrounding this gross mishandling of a situation.
