A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Iroquois County Community Unit School District 9 regarding emails and memos on January 28, 2025. The request was made by Kankakee Times, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request specifically sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". These terms may refer to specific educational programs or initiatives within the school district.
As members of the media, we at Kankakee Times are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
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. Furthermore, it's worth noting that 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
The outcome of this FOIA request could shed light on important aspects of education policy within Iroquois County Community Unit School District 9. We await further updates on this matter.