South Central Reporter

On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Patoka Community Unit School District 100. The request, issued by South Central Reporter, sought access to all emails and memos from the past year containing the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study".

South Central Reporter is a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. As part of their commitment to transparency and accountability in public institutions, they have requested these records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

In addition to the specific documents requested, South Central Reporter has also asked for a fee waiver as a media professional. This is in line with their role in gathering and reporting news to the public.

Patoka Community Unit School District 100 Principal Mr. Justin Venhaus (2023) | Patoka Community Unit School District 100

The requested records could provide insight into educational practices within the district. "Lucy Calkins" is a renowned educator known for her work in developing Units of Study for teaching reading and writing skills.

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, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1. Furthermore, it's worth noting that 58% of teachers in Illinois hold a master's degree or higher.

The outcome of this FOIA request could shed light on how these figures relate to educational practices within Patoka Community Unit School District 100. We at South Central Reporter remain committed to providing our readers with transparent and accountable reporting on matters affecting our local communities.