On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Deer Creek-Mackinaw Community Unit School District 701. The request was made by Peoria Standard, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request specifically sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”. These terms are often associated with educational materials and curriculum development. As such, their mention in official communications could provide insight into the district’s educational strategies and priorities.
As members of the media, we at Peoria Standard are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
In relation to this request, it’s worth noting some 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 was $116,908. The average student-to-administrative ratio is 141:1, indicating that each administrator oversees an average of 141 students. Meanwhile, the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. Furthermore, a significant proportion of teachers in Illinois – around 58% – hold a master’s degree or higher.
These figures highlight the resources invested in education within Illinois. By examining how these resources are used – as evidenced by communications related to specific educational programs or initiatives – we can gain further understanding of the state’s educational landscape.
