A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to North Wamac School District 186 on January 28, 2025. The request, sent by the Lake County Gazette, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, seeks access to specific emails and memos from the past year.
The requested documents are those containing the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study.” As a media outlet, the Lake County Gazette argues that access to public records is crucial for fulfilling its professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
In light of its role in disseminating information, the Lake County Gazette believes it is eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional. This request comes under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140.
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.
As we continue our mission at Lake County Gazette to provide comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs, we believe that such requests are necessary for maintaining transparency and accountability within our public institutions.
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