A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Allendale Community Consolidated School District #17 on January 28, 2025. The request, made by the Peoria Standard, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, seeks copies of all emails and memos from the past 12 months that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”.
As part of our journalistic responsibility at the Peoria Standard, we believe in holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill these professional responsibilities. We have requested these documents under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, preferably in electronic format.
In light of our role in disseminating information to the public, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
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 enough, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
We will continue to follow this story closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.