SE Illinois News

On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Hamilton County Community Unit School District 10. The request, issued by SE Illinois News, sought access to copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study".

SE Illinois News is a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The FOIA request was made in an effort to uphold public institutions' accountability and ensure transparency for the public. As a member of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, SE Illinois News requested a fee waiver for this information.

The FOIA request comes at a time when education is under scrutiny 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 141:1, indicating a significant disparity between administrative staff and students. Meanwhile, the average student-to-teacher ratio is more balanced at 17:1.

Interestingly, over half of teachers in Illinois hold a master's degree or higher – 58% according to recent data. This figure highlights the commitment of educators in Illinois towards their professional development and their dedication towards delivering quality education.

As we continue our work at SE Illinois News, access to public records such as these are essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. We will keep you updated on any developments regarding this FOIA request.