West Cook News

On January 13, 2025, we at West Cook News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Schiller Park School District 81. The request was aimed at obtaining information regarding the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.

As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we sought these records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. We believe that 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.

The specific information requested pertains to the number of "migrants" (e.g., illegal aliens/non-U.S. citizens) currently enrolled in Schiller Park School District 81. This data is vital as it contributes towards understanding the demographic makeup of our schools and helps in assessing the resources required for an inclusive educational environment.

To provide further context, 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, about 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

We at West Cook News continue to strive for transparency and accountability from our public institutions through diligent reporting and leveraging tools like FOIA requests.