West Cook News

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Berwyn North School District 98 in Illinois on January 13, 2025, by West Cook News. The media organization is known for its commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.

The FOIA request seeks information about the number of non-U.S. citizens, often referred to as "migrants" or "illegal aliens," currently enrolled in the school district. This data is crucial for understanding the demographic composition of the student body and could have implications for policy-making and resource allocation within the district.

West Cook News justified their request by emphasizing their role in gathering and reporting news to the public. They stated that access to public records is essential for them to fulfill their professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. As a media professional, they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver.

In related news, according to the Illinois Report Card, the average state teacher salary in 2023 was $73,916, while the state average administrative salary was $116,908. The average student-to-administrative ratio stands at 141:1, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1. Notably, 58% of teachers in Illinois hold a master's degree or higher.

As we continue our work at West Cook News, we will keep pushing for transparency and accountability from our public institutions. We believe that this information is not only vital for us as journalists but also important for you as members of our community who deserve to know how your tax dollars are being spent and who they are serving.