On January 28, 2025, we at McLean County Times sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Bloomington School District 87. The request was specifically for copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study."
As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we believe that access to these public records is essential in fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
In addition, given our role in disseminating information, we have also requested for a fee waiver as a media professional under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140.
The records requested are expected to shed light on how Bloomington School District 87 has been dealing with matters related to Lucy Calkins and Units of Study.
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.
As we continue our commitment towards transparency and accountability in local government affairs, we will keep our readers updated on any developments regarding this FOIA request.
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