Lake County Gazette

On January 13, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50 in Illinois. The request was made by the Lake County Gazette, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.

The FOIA request specifically asked for the number of "migrants" (e.g., illegal aliens/non-U.S. citizens) currently enrolled in the school district. This information is sought as part of the Gazette's ongoing efforts to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency to the public.

As members of the media, we at Lake County Gazette are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.

In relation to this request, it's worth noting some state-wide educational statistics. 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. Additionally, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

These figures offer valuable context when considering how resources are allocated within schools and districts across Illinois - including those serving non-U.S. citizen students.

We will continue our pursuit of transparency and accountability from public institutions like Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50.