Lake County Gazette

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Olympia Community Unit School District 16 regarding emails and memos from the past year. The request, dated January 28, 2025, came from us at the Lake County Gazette, a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.

The request specifically sought copies of all emails and memos that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". These records were requested under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, preferably in an electronic format.

As members of the media, we 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.

Olympia Community Unit School District 16 Principal Dr. Laura Odonnell (2023) | Olympia Community Unit School District 16

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. Interestingly enough, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

We will continue to seek out this information as part of our commitment to provide thorough coverage on local governmental affairs. We believe it is important for citizens to be informed about what is happening within their local school districts.