A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Indian Creek Community Unit District 425 on January 28, 2025. The request was made by DeKalb Times, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The request seeks copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". The aim is to gather information related to these topics for public knowledge and transparency. As a news organization, DeKalb Times plays a crucial role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public.
In line with their journalistic duties, DeKalb Times has requested a fee waiver for this information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. This act allows for fee waivers or reductions if disclosure of the information is in the public interest because it primarily concerns the health, safety and welfare or the legal rights of the general public and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.
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, about 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
DeKalb Times continues its commitment to bring forth transparency in local government affairs through such requests. It encourages open communication between public institutions and citizens for a more informed society.