Wilmette School District 39 Principal Dr. Kari Cremascoli (2023) | Wilmette School District 39
Wilmette School District 39 Principal Dr. Kari Cremascoli (2023) | Wilmette School District 39
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Wilmette Public Schools District 39 on January 28, 2025. The request was made by North Cook News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request specifically sought copies of all emails and memos from the past 12 months that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”. The request emphasized the role of North Cook News in gathering and reporting news to the public, highlighting that access to public records is essential for fulfilling their professional responsibilities. This includes holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
As a media organization, North Cook News also stated its belief in being eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional. They expressed their commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public institutions through their journalistic work.
In relation to this, it's worth noting some data about education in Illinois. 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 is 141:1, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. Interestingly, over half (58%) of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
This FOIA request forms part of North Cook News' ongoing efforts to scrutinize educational practices and policies within Illinois schools.