On January 28, 2025, we at East Central Reporter submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Paris Union School District 95. The request specifically asked for copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study".
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we believe access to these public records is crucial. This will enable us to fulfill our professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, under which this request was made, allows citizens access to public records while ensuring that personal privacy is protected. As media professionals, we requested a fee waiver for this information.
In relation to this story, it's worth noting some data 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 enough, over half (58%) of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
We will continue to follow up on this FOIA request with Paris Union School District 95 and report back with any significant findings related to these keywords. Our aim is always to keep our readers informed about important local issues.
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