A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Flanagan-Cornell District 74 on January 28, 2025. 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 sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". As members of the media, we at the 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, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
In relation to this, it's worth noting some statistics about education in Illinois. According to the Illinois Report Card, the average state teacher salary in 2023 was $73,916, while 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 highlight the importance of scrutinizing how educational resources are utilized within our schools. By examining correspondence related to specific teaching methodologies like those developed by Lucy Calkins or programs such as "Units of Study", we aim to provide further insight into how these resources are being used for student benefit.
We will continue our pursuit of transparency and accountability in local government affairs through diligent reporting and utilization of tools like FOIA requests.
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