A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Sparta Community Unit School District 140 regarding specific emails and memos on January 28, 2025. The request, sent by SW Illinois News, seeks access to copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study.”
The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which grants public access to records held by public bodies. As a media organization committed to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at SW Illinois News believe that access to these records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
We have requested these documents in an electronic format for ease of dissemination. Furthermore, as a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we have requested a fee waiver for this information.
According to the Illinois Report Card, the average state teacher salary in 2023 was $73,916, while the average administrative salary stood at $116,908. The report also highlighted that the average student-to-administrative ratio is 141:1 and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. Interestingly, it revealed that over half (58%) of teachers in Illinois hold a master’s degree or higher.
We will continue our efforts in bringing transparency and accountability to our community through diligent reporting on local governmental affairs.
