A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Streator Elementary School District 44 regarding emails and memos dated back from the past 12 months. The request was made by Illinois Valley Times, a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, on January 28, 2025.
The FOIA request specifically seeks copies of all emails and memos that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study.” These records are requested under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, preferably in an electronic format.
As members of the media at Illinois Valley Times, we believe access to public records is crucial for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. This includes holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we consider ourselves eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
According to the Illinois Report Card, the average state teacher salary in 2023 was $73,916, while the state average administrative salary stood at $116,908. The average student-to-administrative ratio is 141:1, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is pegged at 17:1. It's worth noting that about 58% of teachers in Illinois have earned a master's degree or higher.
This FOIA request aligns with our mission at Illinois Valley Times to provide comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs. We remain committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within our public institutions.
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