On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Herscher Community Unit School District 2. The request was made by us at Kankakee Times, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
We are seeking copies of all emails and memos from the past 12 months that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”. These records are being requested under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, preferably in an electronic format.
As a media organization, we 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. Interestingly enough, it's worth noting that about 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
We continue to strive for transparency within our local government bodies and institutions. This includes shedding light on potential discussions or decisions involving educational practices or curricula such as those potentially related to "Lucy Calkins" or "Units of Study". We will keep you updated on any developments regarding this FOIA request.
Alerts Sign-up