Student Financial Assistance Program

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Video Transcript

Video Transcript

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[Opening] Hello, District 225 students, staff, and families.

[Introduction] As we conclude the school year, I want to update you on the culture and climate initiative in which our district has been engaged since early 2022.

[Context] Over the past several years, worldwide organizations have begun coming to grips with climate and culture. For example, we have witnessed the great resignation, staff shortages, and more recently, mass layoffs in many industries. Unsurprisingly, in District 225, our climate and culture were impacted too.

[District Recognition] Our district is recognized as one of the very best school districts in the country. Yet, to continue that distinction, we must stop and continually take stock and work to improve.

[Initiative] As part of the Board of Education's goals and initiatives, our district embarked on a 10-month process aimed at understanding and advancing the environment in the Glenbrooks. As the superintendent, I am committed to fostering an environment that allows all of our students and staff to thrive, thereby setting the stage to strengthen us for years to come.

[Definition of School Climate and Culture] Some of you may be wondering what we mean by school climate and culture. For us, school climate and culture is the quality and character of school life based on our collective experiences. It reflects norms, values, relationships, and teaching and learning practices. Organizational climate and culture evolve over time as personnel move in and move out, as new students join us and graduate, as our system changes, as technology improves, and as societal norms change. So does an organizational climate and culture.

[District 225 Culture and Climate] The District 225 culture and climate is a blend of these factors experienced over 75 years with strengths and areas for growth.

[Survey and Teams] In September, many of our students, staff, and community members from all campuses completed an anonymous survey. Building representatives volunteered to serve on school climate leadership teams. Each team, totaling 48 members district-wide, spent more than 24 hours looking at the building-specific data and engaging in meaningful conversations before creating vision statements and recommendations for action.

[Sharing of Results] Since mid-May, these results have been shared with the Board of Education, the staff, and the community.

[Themes and Feedback] I want to take this opportunity to highlight several themes that have emerged throughout the process as the district undertook this self-examination.

First, students, staff, and families feel safe in our learning environments.
Additionally, many students feel a sense of belonging and pride in their school, and they report being connected to their peers and our staff.
At the same time, our staff members take pride in building relationships and feel supported through professional development resources, tools, and collaboration with their colleagues.

[Areas for Improvement] However, we also know that there is room for improvement. By listening to our stakeholders, we learn that:

Certain groups of our students and families do not feel as connected to our schools as we value.
Students and staff members report needing more social-emotional support.
They want us to find ways to celebrate the many varied accomplishments that are found in our district.
Additionally, having a voice in building and district initiatives and being given the chance to provide regular feedback is also important for our staff members.

[Moving Forward] Moving forward, it is important to our community that we remain a top-rated school district. That can only be accomplished through a commitment to take this climate and culture study and the results that have been shared with us seriously. Together, we will collaboratively build upon that foundation.

[Conclusion] I would like to thank everyone who participated and helped us over the past year. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for District 225. You can view the full presentation made to the Board of Education on May 22nd on the District 225 website. Thank you.

Glenbrook High School District 225 offers a student financial assistance program that includes free and reduced-price meals and additional financial support to those eligible. Financial assistance consists of two classifications: free and reduced. Students eligible for either of these classifications will receive access to the benefits outlined per Board Policy 4:140 – Free and Reduced Price Food Services and Waiver of Student Fees.

Jump To

Eligibility
Application Process
Benefits
FAQs

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for the student financial assistance program is primarily determined based on household income guidelines established each year (described below).

Additionally, the following student populations are automatically eligible for the student financial assistance program:

If you now receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) for any of your children
Foster children

Information regarding student financial assistance applications or program eligibility is confidential and only shared with appropriate school personnel.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Application

Families interested in applying for the Student Financial Assistance Program may apply by completing the Student Financial Assistance Application.

Download Application

Individuals who deliberately misrepresent information as part of an application or investigation regarding the student financial assistance program may be referred to enforcement agencies or other appropriate authorities for prosecution under applicable state and federal laws.

If you now receive SNAP or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) for the student(s) for whom you are applying, the application must have the student(s)’s name, a SNAP or TANF case number for each child and the signature of an adult household member.

If you are applying for a foster child, the application must have the student’s name, the students’ “personal use” income and an adult signature. If you do not list a SNAP or TANF case number for the child(ren) for whom you are applying, then the application must have the student(s)’ names, the names of all household members, the amount of income each person received last month and where it came from, the signature of an adult household member and that adult’s last four digits of their social security number or the word “none” if the adult does not have a social security number.

With your completed application, please include one of the following evidence supporting a household income at or below the levels listed below:

The most current Federal Income Tax Return (if parents file separately, they each must submit their respective return). Or, if you haven’t filed yet, you may submit a copy of your request for an extension as well as copies of your W-2(s), and, if employed, two most recent pay stubs.
If unemployed, a Statement from the State Unemployment Security Office indicating the amount of benefits you are currently receiving.
Notification from the State Unemployment Security Office indicating that you are no longer eligible for benefits.
Additional documentation that must be included for income sources outside of employment:
- SSDI/pension/Social Security pay subs
- DHS Letter with case number indicating receipt of Public Aid

The District is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964.

INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

Glenbrooks has established household income guidelines for use in determining financial assistance program eligibility. Effective July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the following household income guidelines apply:

Household Size	Household Monthly Income
1	$2,322
2	$3,152
3	$3,981
4	$4,810
5	$5,640
6	$6,469
7	$7,299
8	$8,128
8+	$8,958 – 8 Family Members $830 – Each Additional Person

If your child is approved for financial assistance because of your income, you must notify the school if the household size decreases or your income increases by more than $50 per month or $600 per year. If your student receives lunches because they receive SNAP or TANF, you must advise the school when you no longer receive SNAP or TANF for them. You may then fill out another application providing new income information.

VERIFICATION PROCESS

We may conduct a verification at any time during the school year. Verification activities include financial assistance program reviews, audits and investigations and may consist of contacting employers to determine income, contacting a SNAP office to determine current certification for SNAP, contacting the State Employment Security Office to determine the amount of benefits received and checking the documentation produced by the household member to prove the amount of income received.

ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION

Student financial assistance applications are reviewed regularly by the District Enrollment Specialist located at the District Administration Building (3801 W. Lake Avenue, Glenview). Applications are not processed at the school building.

After an application has been reviewed, you will be notified of the application’s approval or denial. If an application has been denied due to house income or size, please note that a new application may be submitted at any time should a change take place, such as a decrease in household income, increase in household size, employment status change, eligibility status change for SNAP or TANF.

If you disagree with the decision on your application, you may request to speak with school officials. You also may ask for a fair hearing by contacting our Enrollment Specialist.

Reduced Program Benefits

Lunch and breakfast (if available) at a reduced price
Loaned textbooks and course materials at no cost
Loaned graphing calculator at no cost (for enrollment in designated math courses)
PE uniform and heart rate monitor strap at no cost (if qualified for assistance, only one uniform/strap will be provided the student’s first year of attendance if qualified for assistance)
PE lock at no cost (one lock the first year the student qualifies for assistance)
Graduation cap and gown at no cost
General student fees waived (Chromebook, instructional materials and registration)
Course fees waived (including Driver Education)
AP examination fees waived
Course field trip fees waived as outlined in Board Policy 7230 except for travel outside adjacent states and any trip that requires an overnight stay
Student transportation bus pass at 50% of the Board-approved fee for not more than one student

No other items will be provided at the Board of Education expense.

Free Program Benefits

Have a question?

We have answers.

Who is eligible for the student financial assistance program?

How can I apply for the Student Financial Assistance Program?

What documents should I include with my application?

Is the information provided in the application kept confidential?

What happens if there are changes in my household size or income after my child is approved for financial assistance?

What should I do if my application is denied?

What benefits are offered through the Student Financial Assistance Program?

The program offers various benefits depending on the classification (free or reduced). Reduced program benefits include lunch and breakfast at a reduced price, loaned textbooks and course materials, waived fees for certain courses and examinations and more. Free program benefits include all the benefits offered in the reduced program, plus lunch and breakfast at no cost, a student transportation bus pass and other additional benefits.

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