On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Princeton High School District 500 by the Illinois Valley Times. The media organization requested copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study."
As a news outlet dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at the Illinois Valley Times believe that access to public records is crucial for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public.
The FOIA request specifically sought electronic copies of correspondence within the school district containing references to "Lucy Calkins," an influential figure in literacy education, and "Units of Study," likely referring to specific educational programs or curriculum units.
The request also highlighted our eligibility for a fee waiver as a media professional, given our role in disseminating information to the public.
According to the Illinois Report Card, the average state teacher salary in 2023 was $73,916, while the state average administrative salary was $116,908. The average student-to-administrative ratio stands at 141:1, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1. Interestingly, 58% of teachers in Illinois have earned a master's degree or higher.
We await further communication from Princeton High School District 500 regarding this FOIA request. As always, we remain committed to delivering thorough reporting on local government affairs for our readership.
Alerts Sign-up