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Committee approves FAFSA completion policy, asks staff to define waiver for undocumented families
Summary
The committee approved a FAFSA completion program policy (P6148), waived first and second reads for immediate implementation and directed staff to develop explicit waiver language and procedures for families who must not or cannot complete the FAFSA, including undocumented students.
The Policy & Personnel Committee on April 9 approved the FAFSA Completion Program policy (P6148), waived the first and second readings so the district can implement it immediately and directed administration to provide specific waiver language for families (for example, undocumented families) who choose not to complete the FAFSA.
Cheryl Vega, director of SELO student services, said the policy aligns with Public Act 23‑204, which requires graduating classes beginning in 2025 to complete either the FAFSA or an approved waiver. Vega described existing district efforts: a FAFSA task force, monthly meetings with nonprofit partners, school events with breakout rooms for private help completing forms, and a "FAFSA Spring Madness" raffle to encourage completion.
Why it matters: Starting with the class of 2025 the state expects graduating students to complete FAFSA or secure an allowable waiver. Committee members asked that administration clarify how waiver procedures will protect families’ privacy and address undocumented students’ concerns; staff said they would investigate existing waiver forms and options for undocumented students (including state‑specific alternatives) and report back.
Key discussion points - District already runs a FAFSA task force and offers assistance events; the policy formalizes the district’s approach and suggests strategies for increasing completion rates. - Committee members asked for an explicit waiver process and privacy protections; staff agreed to consult the FAFSA unit and present options (including state alternatives for undocumented students and forms for technical schools). - The committee approved implementation immediately but requested administration return with specific waiver language and procedures.
Implementation and next steps Administration will develop waiver language and procedures and return to the committee with proposed text. The district will continue the outreach activities referenced in the meeting and will monitor completion progress through the FAFSA task force.
Ending Committee members described the vote as part of a larger push to increase postsecondary access and to comply with state requirements for the graduating class of 2025.
