On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Ottawa Township High School District 140 by the Illinois Valley Times. The request specifically asked for copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study."
As a news organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate coverage of local governmental affairs, we at the Illinois Valley Times believe in the importance of transparency in public institutions. Access to these records will allow us to continue our mission of holding these institutions accountable and ensuring they operate in the best interest of the public.
The request also mentioned that as a media professional involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we are eligible for a fee waiver under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
In related news, according to the Illinois Report Card, the average state teacher salary in 2023 was $73,916, while administrative salaries averaged at $116,908. The student-to-administrative ratio stands at an average of 141:1, with a student-to-teacher ratio averaging at 17:1. Furthermore, it's noteworthy that 58% of teachers in Illinois hold a master's degree or higher.
We await response from Ottawa Township High School District 140 regarding our FOIA request and will keep our readers updated on any developments.
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