A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Oak Grove School District 68 on January 28, 2025. The request, filed by Lake County Gazette, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, seeks copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study.”
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, under which this request was made, allows for public access to records maintained by public bodies. As journalists dedicated to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public, we at Lake County Gazette believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
The requested documents pertain to educational materials and methodologies potentially used within the district. Lucy Calkins is a renowned educator known for her work in developing literacy curriculum. Her program, “Units of Study,” has been widely adopted across various school districts.
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 enough, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master’s degree or higher.
This information could provide valuable context for understanding how resources are allocated within Oak Grove School District 68 and other similar districts across the state. We will continue our efforts in ensuring transparency within our local government entities while serving our readers with up-to-date and accurate information.
