IL HB0218

Requires school boards to waive all or part of summer school charges if a student's family is indigent or the student's educational needs require attendance, changing current law from permissive ("may") to mandatory ("must").

Extends fee and tuition waiver provisions to include tuition in addition to fees for children whose parents cannot afford them, including those meeting federal free lunch or breakfast eligibility guidelines.

Creates new summer school provisions for the Chicago Board of Education requiring it to offer summer courses in regular school subjects and mandatorily waive charges based on family indigency or educational need, with credit toward regular school requirements.

Makes summer kindergarten programs subject to the same fee and tuition waiver provisions, ensuring low-income families can access these programs without cost.

Requires school boards to develop written policies and procedures for fee and tuition waivers in accordance with State Board of Education regulations, with verification processes tied to federal child nutrition program standards.