A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Valmeyer Community Unit School District 3 in Illinois on January 28, 2025. The request, sent by the Lake County Gazette, sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study".
As a media organization dedicated to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at the Lake County Gazette believe access to public records is crucial for our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, under which this request was made, allows citizens access to public records while also maintaining an individual's right to privacy. It plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in government.
In light of our role in disseminating information to the public, we have requested a fee waiver as a media professional. This will allow us to continue our work without financial hindrance.
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 stood at $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 hold a master's degree or higher.
We await response from Valmeyer Community Unit School District 3 regarding our FOIA request and will continue to keep our readers informed about developments on this matter.
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