South Central Reporter

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Southwestern Community Unit School District 9 on January 28, 2025. The request, made by the media organization South Central Reporter, seeks copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study."

As a news organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate coverage of local governmental affairs, we at South Central Reporter believe access to public records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.

The requested documents are sought under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. Given our role in disseminating information to the public, we have also requested 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 is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure transparency within educational institutions and provide insight into potential influences on curriculum decisions.