A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Prairie Du Rocher Community Consolidated School District 134 on January 28, 2025. The request, made by SW Illinois News, seeks copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study.”
As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at SW Illinois News believe access to public records is essential for 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 requested a fee waiver as a media professional under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. This act provides us with the right to access public records in electronic format.
The request for these specific documents is part of our ongoing effort to investigate educational practices within local school districts. The terms “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study” are related to a popular literacy curriculum used in many schools across the country.
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 our efforts to bring transparency to local government affairs and hold public institutions accountable for their actions.
