A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the United Community School District 304 on January 28, 2025. The request, made by Galesburg Reporter, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained specific keywords.
The keywords in question were “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”. The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. The Galesburg Reporter expressed a preference for receiving the records in an electronic format.
The request also highlighted the role of the media in gathering and reporting news to the public. It stressed that access to public records is essential for fulfilling professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given this role in disseminating information, Galesburg Reporter stated its belief that it is eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
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.
This data provides some context for understanding the educational landscape within which these requested documents exist. As we continue our commitment to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs, we will keep our readers updated on any developments regarding this FOIA request.
