On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Kansas Community Unit School District 3. The request was made by East Central Reporter, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request specifically asked 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, East Central Reporter has emphasized its role in gathering and reporting news to the public. 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.
East Central Reporter also stated their belief in being eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional. They have expressed readiness to answer any questions regarding this request.
In relation to this, it's worth noting some data about Illinois education system. 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, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. Furthermore, it's interesting that 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
This FOIA request could shed light on important aspects of how our school district operates and communicates about educational methods and materials. As always, we at East Central Reporter are committed to bringing you transparent reporting on local government affairs.