A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Highland Community Unit School District 5 in Illinois on January 28, 2025. The request, submitted by the Metro East Sun, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, asked for copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study."
The Metro East Sun stated that access to these public records is essential for fulfilling 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.
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. Notably, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
This FOIA request forms part of a broader effort by Metro East Sun to scrutinize educational practices and policies within Illinois schools. By examining correspondence relating to "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study," they aim to shed light on specific educational methods being employed within the district.
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