Jayne Raef Secretary | Bourbonnais School District 53
Jayne Raef Secretary | Bourbonnais School District 53
On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Bourbonnais School District 53 by the Kankakee Times. The request pertains to obtaining copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain specific keywords.
The requested records are being sought under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. The media organization has specifically asked for any documents containing the terms “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study.”
As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at Kankakee Times believe access to public records is essential in fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
In light of our role in disseminating information, we have also requested a fee waiver as a media professional.
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.
We will continue to keep you updated as we gather more information regarding this matter.