Financial Assistance

A Guide to Financial Assistance in District 39

Types of Aid

The Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program: Your child may be eligible for the National Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program if you receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), if your gross household income is at or below that set out in the federal guidelines for National Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program, or if your child is a foster child.
Waiver of Instructional Material Fees: Your family may also qualify for a waiver or reduction of District 39 instructional materials fees if your child is eligible for the free/reduced lunch program 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, PTA/O units in District 39, and other charitable organizations within the community make this assistance possible. These organizations have long been supportive of programs for children and the funds they contribute are distributed widely among the many requests that are received.
Before and After School Care Fee Assistance: Several agencies and organizations provide help paying for child care expenses to families living in District 39. New Trier Township and Wilmette Park District have scholarship and financial assistance programs for before and after school care costs.

Applying

Start by applying for the Free or Reducced Lunch Program and a Waiver of Instructional Fees. The application is available as a downloadable PDF by clicking here, or call Mary Ann Esler at 847-512-6036 to request an application. You will need to document your income. A copy of your last years income tax form with W2s and 3 recent paycheck stubs are preferred. Applications that are not complete cannot be approved, so be sure to fill out all required information and attach documents to verify your income. We will be happy to assist you with this process.

Qualifying

Children in households getting SNAP or TANF and most foster children can get free meals regardless of income. Also, if your household income is within the limits on the Federal Income Chart, your child can get free or reduced price meals.

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/after school care program assistance. The social worker at New Trier Township (847-446-8201) can help you decide what to do next.

FAQs

Will anyone know we are receiving assistance?: The Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program and all other financial assistance programs are completely confidential.
How much are reduced price lunches?: The reduced lunch price is $.50 for grades 1-6 and $.75 for grades 7-8. The regular priced lunch costs $3.25 for grades 1-6 and $3.60 for grades 7-8.
If I don't qualify now, may I apply again later?: Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you receive SNAP or TANF. If you lose your job, your child may be able to get free or reduced price meals during the time you are unemployed.
What if I disagree with the decision about my application?: You may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ray Lechner, 615 Locust Road, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, telephone 847-512-6030.
How do I apply for the Angel Fund?: Angel Fund scholarships are granted by the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ray Lechner. Call his office at 847-512-6030 for more information.

Important contacts

Wilmette Public Schools District 39 Business Office
Mary Ann Esler
847-512-6036
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Wilmette Public Schools District 39
Nancy Potisuk
Admin Assistant to the Superintendent
847-512-6030
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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