A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Waterloo Community Unit School District 5 regarding copies of all emails and memos from the past year containing specific keywords. The request was made by SW Illinois News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, on January 28, 2025.
The requested documents are those that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". These terms suggest a possible interest in educational curriculum or teaching methods used within the district. As a media organization, we at SW Illinois News believe access to public records is crucial for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
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. Notably, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
As we continue our investigation into local government affairs, these statistics provide valuable context. They help illuminate the resources available to educators in our state and underscore the importance of transparency in how those resources are utilized.
We have requested these records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), preferably in electronic format. We also believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional given our role in disseminating information to the public.
Our aim is always to provide comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. We look forward to receiving this information from Waterloo Community Unit School District 5 as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability.
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