On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to Marquardt School District 15 by the Lake County Gazette. The request pertains to emails and memos from the past year that contain specific keywords.
The requested records should ideally be in an electronic format and must include all communications containing the terms “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”. These keywords likely relate to educational programs or initiatives within the district.
As representatives of the Lake County Gazette, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. Access to public records is crucial for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
According to the Illinois Report Card, the average state teacher salary in 2023 was $73,916, while the average administrative salary stood at $116,908. The student-to-administrative ratio averages at 141:1, with a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 17:1. Interestingly, over half (58%) of teachers in Illinois hold a master's degree or higher.
We remain committed to delivering accurate and timely information about local government activities. We await a response from Marquardt School District 15 regarding our FOIA request.