On January 28, 2025, we at the Illinois Valley Times submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Oglesby Elementary School District 125. The request pertains to obtaining copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain specific keywords.
The keywords specified in our request are “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”. These terms are commonly associated with literacy education, which is a critical aspect of public school curriculum. Our aim is to gain insights into how these concepts are being discussed and implemented within the district.
As journalists dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, access to such public records is crucial for us. It allows us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
In light of our role in disseminating information, we have requested a fee waiver as media professionals under the provisions of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
According to the Illinois Report Card, the average state teacher salary in 2023 was $73,916, and the state average Administrative Salary was $116,908. The average student-to-administrative ratio is 141:1, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. Interestingly, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
Our FOIA request aligns with our commitment to provide readers with detailed insights into local education systems. We believe that such transparency fosters an informed community that can actively participate in educational discussions and decisions.
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