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Veterans Diploma

Section 605.10 | Board Report 19-1211-PO2 | Date Adopted December 11, 2019

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Find More Info Operation Recognition

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER RECOMMENDS

That the Chicago Board of Education (“Board”) amend Board Report 09-1028-PO1 the Veterans Diploma Policy.

The purpose of this December 2019 amendment is to remove the Chief Education Officer’s coordination of veteran graduation ceremonies.

PURPOSE

The Board wishes to honor veterans of foreign conflicts for their considerable contributions and sacrifices and, in particular, to recognize those veterans who sacrificed their schooling to serve their country. Public Acts 92-446 and 96-0088 authorize school boards to award high school diplomas to honorably discharged military veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during World War II, the Korean Conflict or the Vietnam Conflict. This policy establishes the CPS Operation Recognition program and the requirements and procedures for veterans of foreign conflicts to receive honorary high school diplomas from the Chicago Public Schools. In October 2009, the Board amended the Veterans Diploma Policy Board Report 01-1128-PO1 and added Vietnam veterans to the list of veterans eligible to receive honorary high school diplomas from the Chicago Public Schools.

POLICY TEXT

Requirements

Section 22-27 of the Illinois School Code, requires that a veteran making a request for a diploma under this policy fulfill the following requirements:

  • Left high school before graduating in order to serve in the armed forces of the United States;
  • Resided in the City of Chicago at the time that he or she left high school;
  • Served in the armed forces of the United States during World War II, the Korean Conflict or the Vietnam Conflict;
  • Was honorably discharged; and
  • Has not received a high school diploma.

Requests for Diplomas

The veterans diploma application form is available on the CPS website ( Click Here ). Veterans interested in obtaining a high school diploma should submit a completed application form to the Chief Education Officer or designee identified on the application form along with documentation of honorable discharge. Diplomas may also be posthumously applied for by next of kin.

Ceremonies

Principals may extend an invitation to veterans to participate in upcoming graduation exercises at his or her high school. If a veteran does not wish to participate in a public ceremony, the diploma will be provided by mail.

Policy References

Amends/Rescinds Amends 09-1028-PO1
Cross References 01-1128-PO1
Legal References 105 ILCS 5/22-27
Public Comment Pursuant to Board Rule 2-6 this Policy was subject to Public Comment from 9/27/19 -11/8/19 and adopted at the December 11, 2019 Board Meeting [Board Report 19-1211-PO2].

Policy Managed By Department of Policy, Ethics, and Records

773-553-1216

policy@cps.edu

1 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60602