On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Polo Community Unit School District 222 by NW Illinois News. The request specifically sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study".
As representatives of NW Illinois News, we believe in providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we have requested a fee waiver as media professionals.
In addition to this request, it's important to note some recent statistics 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 is 141:1, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. Furthermore, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
This data underscores the importance of transparency in our educational institutions. As we continue our work at NW Illinois News, we will strive to provide detailed coverage on these matters and more.
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