A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Gardner Community Consolidated School District 72c regarding copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain specific keywords. The request was made on January 28, 2025.
The FOIA request, initiated by us at Grundy Reporter, specifically seeks any correspondence containing the terms “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”. Our intention is to provide comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
As part of our commitment to this cause, we have requested these records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. We have also asked for these documents in an electronic format for ease of access and dissemination.
We believe that as a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional. This will enable us to continue providing valuable information to our readers without undue financial burden.
In relation to this matter, it's worth noting some key statistics about education in Illinois. 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 reported as being 141:1, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1. Interestingly enough, over half (58%) of teachers in Illinois hold a master's degree or higher.
We will continue our work at Grundy Reporter in seeking out information that aids transparency and accountability within our local government institutions.
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