On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Salem Community High School District 600. The request was made by us at the Lake County Gazette, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request specifically sought copies of all emails and memos from the past 12 months that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”. These terms are often associated with literacy education programs. The purpose of this request is to provide transparency and hold public institutions accountable for their actions.
As part of our commitment to serving the public interest, we have also requested a fee waiver for this information under our status as a media professional. Access to these records is crucial in fulfilling our journalistic responsibilities which include keeping the public informed about matters concerning local government and education.
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. It's noteworthy that 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
We at Lake County Gazette believe that access to such information not only aids in holding institutions accountable but also provides valuable insights into how our educational system operates. As always, we remain committed to providing comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs.
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