On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Saunemin Community Consolidated School District 438. The request was made by McLean County Times, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". The aim is to gain access to public records that are essential for fulfilling professional responsibilities such as holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
McLean County Times believes that given its role in disseminating information, it should be eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional. The request aligns with the organization's commitment to ensure transparency in local government operations.
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, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
This data underscores the importance of transparency in our educational institutions. As we continue our journalistic work at McLean County Times, we remain committed to ensuring accountability within these institutions while also providing our readers with accurate and timely information about their local government.
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