On January 13, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Riverside School District 96 in Illinois. The request, made by West Cook News, sought information regarding 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 FOIA request is part of their commitment to holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public.
In their request, West Cook News also stated their eligibility for a fee waiver as a media professional involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. They believe that access to such public records is essential for them to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
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. Furthermore, it was reported that 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
The response from Riverside School District 96 will provide insight into the demographics of its student population and contribute to a broader understanding of education trends within Illinois.