On January 28, 2025, we at the Peoria Standard submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Illini Central Community Unit School District 189. 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, access to public records is crucial for us. This allows us to fulfill our professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
In our role as news reporters, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals. We await a response from the school district regarding this request.
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.
We will continue our investigation into these matters and keep our readers informed about any developments.
