South Central Reporter

On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Central A & M Community Unit School District 21. The request, issued by South Central Reporter, sought access to emails and memos from the past year containing specific keywords.

The South Central Reporter is a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The requested records pertain to the terms "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". These keywords suggest an interest in curriculum materials or educational strategies used within the district.

As stated in the request, access to these public records is vital for South Central Reporter's mission of holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given their role in disseminating information, they have requested a fee waiver as a media professional.

Central A & M Community Unit School District 21 Principal Mrs. Sacha Young (2023) | Central A & M Community Unit School District 21

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. Furthermore, it was noted that 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

This FOIA request comes at a time when scrutiny of educational practices and spending is at an all-time high. It underscores the importance of transparency in our education system and serves as a reminder that public institutions are accountable for their actions. As we await further developments on this story, we remain committed to providing accurate and timely reporting on matters that affect our community.