Lake County Gazette

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Putnam County Community Unit School District 535 regarding specific emails and memos 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 request sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". 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, 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 related news, 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 stands at 141:1, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1. Interestingly enough, it appears that over half - 58% - of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

We will continue our pursuit of transparency within local government institutions such as Putnam County Community Unit School District 535. It is our belief that through diligent reporting and access to public records like these requested emails and memos, we can help ensure accountability within these institutions.