NW Illinois News

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Dixon Unit School District 170 on January 28, 2025. The request was made by NW Illinois News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.

The FOIA request specifically sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". As part of their mission to hold public institutions accountable and provide transparency to the public, NW Illinois News has expressed its commitment to gaining access to these public records.

In their communication with the school district, NW Illinois News stated, "As a member of the media, we are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities." They also indicated that they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional due to their role in disseminating information.

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. Interestingly, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

This FOIA request is an example of how media organizations like NW Illinois News continue their work in promoting transparency within public institutions. It also highlights the importance of freedom of information in maintaining accountability within our educational systems.