North Cook News

On January 13, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Kenilworth School District 38 in Illinois by North Cook News. The media organization, known for its comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought information regarding the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.

In the request, North Cook News specified their interest in understanding how many "migrants" (e.g., illegal aliens/non-U.S. citizens) are presently enrolled in the school district. The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, with a preference for receiving the data in an electronic format.

North Cook News emphasized their role as a news reporting body involved in gathering and disseminating news to the public. They highlighted 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. Given their role in spreading information, they also requested 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. Notably, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

As we await a response from Kenilworth School District 38 regarding this FOIA request, we at North Cook News continue our commitment to providing comprehensive coverage on matters affecting our local communities.