A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Warren Township High School District 121 on January 13, 2025, by the Lake County Gazette. The news organization is seeking information about the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.
The Lake County Gazette's inquiry is focused on obtaining data related to "migrants," a term used in the request to refer to illegal aliens or non-U.S. citizens. The news outlet has requested this information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, and has expressed a preference for receiving the data in an electronic format.
The Lake County Gazette underscored its role as a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. It emphasized that access to public records is essential for fulfilling its professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
As a part of our commitment to journalistic integrity at the Lake County Gazette, we believe it's crucial to highlight important educational statistics for context. 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.
This FOIA request is part of our ongoing efforts at Lake County Gazette to provide readers with thorough reporting on local education matters. We will continue pursuing this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.