A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Pleasant Valley School District 62 in Illinois on January 28, 2025. The request was made by Peoria Standard, a media organization committed 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 12 months that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”. These terms are often associated with educational programs and curricula, indicating that the inquiry is likely related to academic matters within the district.
Peoria Standard emphasized their role as a news outlet in gathering and reporting news to the public. They stated that access to public records is essential for them to fulfill their professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given their role in disseminating information, they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
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 stands at 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 mission at Peoria Standard to provide comprehensive coverage of local government affairs, we believe that such information requests are vital for maintaining transparency and accountability within our education system.
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