West Cook News

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the La Grange School District 105 South in Illinois on January 13, 2025, by West Cook News. The news organization is seeking information about the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.

The FOIA request, submitted by a reporter from West Cook News, seeks to clarify the number of "migrants" (defined as illegal aliens or non-U.S. citizens) currently enrolled in the school district. As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, West Cook News asserts that access to such public records is essential for fulfilling its professional responsibilities.

These responsibilities include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given their role in disseminating information, West Cook News believes it is eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.

In addition to this specific request, it's worth noting some general statistics about education in Illinois. 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, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

This data provides context for understanding the overall educational landscape within which these enrollment numbers are being requested. As we continue our work at West Cook News, we remain committed to bringing you accurate and timely information about our local schools and other government entities.