Financial Assistance

Application

Start by applying for the free and reduced lunch service and/or a reduction of instructional fees. The application is available here as a downloadable PDF or you can request an application by calling Nancy Potisuk (847) 512-6030. Please include:

  • A copy of last year's income tax form (including all schedules/attachments)
  • W2 forms
  • Two (2) recent paycheck stubs

Incomplete applications cannot be approved, so be sure to fill out all required information and attach all necessary documentation to verify total household income. We will be happy to assist you with this process. 

Qualifying

Children in households receiving TANF or SNAP benefits, as well as foster children, may qualify for free meals regardless of household income. Additionally, if your total household income is within the limits established on the income chart, your child may qualify for free or reduced price meals.

Free and Reduced Lunch Program

Your child may be eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program if:
- You receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- You are a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- You care for a foster child
- Your gross household income is at, or below, the eligibility guidelines published annually by the Illinois State Board of Education

Waiver of Instructional Material Fees

Your family may also qualify for a waiver or reduction of District 39 instructional material fees if your child(ren) is eligible for the free and reduced lunch service OR if you are otherwise able to establish that you cannot afford to pay these fees.

The Angel Fund

Scholarship funds are available for transportation fees and extracurricular activities, including music and athletic programs. Contributions received from individuals, District 39 PTA/O organizations, and other charitable organizations within the community make this assistance possible. These organizations have long been supportive of programs for children and these funds are widely distributed among the many requests that are received.

If you would like to contribute, you can make a donation to the Angel Fund through our Webstore.

Before- and After-School Care Assistance

Several agencies and organizations provide assistance in paying for child care expenses to District 39 families. New Trier Township and the Wilmette Park District have scholarship and financial assistance programs available for before- and after-school care costs.

Applying for Other Types of Aid

New Trier Township and the Wilmette Park District have their own application procedures and may use different criteria to qualify families for scholarships and before- and after-school care program assistance. Please contact the social worker for New Trier Township (847.446.8201) for assistance in next steps.

FAQs

Will anyone know that we are receiving financial assistance?
The free and reduced lunch service and all other financial assistance programs are completely confidential.

How much do reduced-price lunches cost?
The reduced lunch price is 55 cents for grades 1-6 and 80 cents for grades 7-8. Regular priced lunch costs $4.79 for grades 1-6 and $5.23 for grades 7-8.

If I do not qualify now, can I apply again later?
Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, your household income goes down, or if you receive either TANF or SNAP benefits. If you lose your job, your child(ren) may qualify to receive free or reduced price meals during your unemployment.

What if I disagree with the decision about my application?
You may call or write to the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kari Cremascoli, 615 Locust Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Phone: 847.512.6030.

How do I apply for the Angel Fund?
Angel Fund scholarships are granted by the Superintendent of Schools. Please call the office (847.512.6030) for more information.

Important Contacts
Nancy Potisuk
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
847.512.6030
[email protected]

New Trier Township Social Services
739 Elm St.
Winnetka, IL 60093
847.446.8201

Wilmette Park District
1200 Wilmette Ave.
Wilmette, IL 60091
847.256.6100