Waivers

*Waivers of School Fees

The High School District 214 Board of Education will waive all school fees if the parent/guardian meets the income guidelines as determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (see Free and Reduced-Price Meals p.8). Fees will also be waived if the family experiences a very significant loss of income because of severe illness or injury in the family. Fee waivers will be considered only if written evidence is presented by the person applying for the waiver.

"School fees" refers to any monetary charge collected by the school or district from a student or the parent/guardian as a prerequisite for the student's participation in any curricular or Cocurricular program of the school or district. A school does not impose a "fee" when it requires that students provide their own ordinary supplies or materials (e.g. pencil, paper, notebooks) which are necessary to participate in any curricular or Cocurricular program.

"School fees" include, but are not limited to: all charges for required textbooks and instructional materials; all charges and deposits collected by a school for use of school property; charges for field trips made during school hours, or made after school hours if the field trip is a required or customary part of a class or Cocurricular activity; charges or deposits for uniforms or equipment related to varsity and intramural sports or to fine arts programs; charges to participate in Cocurricular activities; charges for supplies required for a particular class; graduation fees; school records fees; school health services fee; and driver education fees.

"School fees" do not include: library fines and other charges made for the loss, misuse, or destruction of school property; charges for the purchase of class rings, yearbooks, photos, diploma covers, or similar items; charges for optional travel undertaken by a school club or group of students outside of school hours; charges for admission to school dances, athletic events, or other social events; and optional community service programs.

*Application for Waiver of School Fees

An application form for school fee waivers is available in the principal's office. The completed form, along with documentation, should be submitted to the Principal. No fee shall be collected from any parent/guardian who is seeking a fee waiver in accordance with this policy until they have been notified to the district's decision regarding the request or appeal, if one is made.

Parent/guardians are advised that supplying false information to obtain a fee waiver is a Class 4 Felony under Il. Rev. Stat., Ch 38, Par 17-6.

The Principal/Director will notify the parent/guardian within 30 days of receipt of the request, as to whether the request has been granted or denied. If the request is denied or you have a subsequent decrease in family income, you may reapply for a waiver at any time during the school year. A denial of a waiver request may be appealed to the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services by submitting a completed appeal form within two weeks of the denial. A decision will be mailed to the parent/guardian within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the request. If this appeal is denied, a waiver request may be appealed to the Board of Education by submitting the completed appeal form to the Superintendent within two weeks of the denial. The Board of Education will consider such appeals within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the request for appeal. A parent/guardian has the right to meet with the Board of Education to explain their reasons for the appeal to be granted. The Board of Education will notify the parent/guardian in writing of its decision, including its reasons if it denies the appeal request. The decision of the Board of Education is final and binding.

Questions concerning the fee waiver process should be addressed to the Principal's office. Applications are available in the Principal's/Director's office.

* Mandated Information I.S.B.E.