On January 28, 2025, we at the Lake County Gazette sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Jasper County Community Unit School District 1. The request sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained specific keywords.
The keywords specified in the request were "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". As journalists committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, access to these public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
We believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals given our role in disseminating information. We are currently awaiting a response from Jasper County Community Unit School District 1 regarding this request.
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. Notably, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
As we continue our investigative work into local educational affairs, such data becomes increasingly relevant. It provides context for understanding how resources are allocated within our school systems and helps us keep you informed about important developments in our community.
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