On January 13, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Cicero School District 99 by West Cook News, seeking information about the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.
West Cook News is a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, with a preference for receiving the information in an electronic format.
As part of the request, West Cook News asked specifically for data on how many “migrants” (e.g., illegal aliens/non-U.S. citizens) are currently enrolled in Cicero School District 99. The organization stressed that access to public records is crucial for its role in gathering and reporting news to the public, holding public institutions accountable, and providing transparency.
The organization also noted its eligibility for a fee waiver as a media professional given its 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. It’s worth noting that 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master’s degree or higher.
West Cook News continues to uphold its commitment to providing comprehensive coverage on matters affecting local communities while advocating for transparency and accountability within public institutions.
