North Cook News

On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Mount Prospect School District 57. The request, sent by North Cook News, sought access to all emails and memos from the past year that contained specific keywords.

The two keywords specified in the request were "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". These terms are likely related to educational materials or programs used within the school district. As part of their mission to provide comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs, North Cook News has requested these records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

North Cook News believes that access to public records is essential for fulfilling its professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given their role in disseminating information, they have 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. Interestingly, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

As North Cook News continues its investigative reporting into local governmental affairs, it underscores the importance of transparency in our public institutions. This FOIA request is just one example of how media organizations can use legal tools to hold these institutions accountable.