On January 13, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Central Stickney School District 110. 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. As part of their commitment to transparency and accountability in public institutions, they have requested these records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140.
The request specifically asks for the number of "migrants" (e.g., illegal aliens/non-U.S. citizens) currently enrolled in the school district. This data is vital for understanding the demographic makeup of our schools and can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our education system.
In addition to this specific request, West Cook News has also asked for a fee waiver as a media professional. This is based on their role in gathering and reporting news to the public and their responsibility to hold public institutions accountable.
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 enough, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
These statistics shed light on both educational resources available and potential disparities within our school systems. It underscores why access to information like that requested by West Cook News is so crucial - it helps us better understand our schools' realities and work towards more equitable education for all students.
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