On January 13, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Westchester School District 92-5 in Illinois by West Cook News. The media organization sought information regarding the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.
West Cook News emphasized their commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs and stated that access to public records is essential for them to fulfill their professional responsibilities. This includes holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
The request also mentioned that as a member of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
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. Additionally, it was reported that 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
The FOIA request by West Cook News represents an ongoing effort by media organizations to ensure transparency and accountability within our education system. It underscores the importance of having accurate data on student demographics for informed reporting and policy-making.
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