A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Hampton School District 29 on January 28, 2025. The request, issued by Rock Island Today, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, seeks copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”.
The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, with a preference for electronic format. As members of the media, we at Rock Island Today are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
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. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master’s degree or higher.
This FOIA request aims at ensuring transparency within our education system while holding those responsible accountable for their actions. It also underscores our commitment as journalists to keep the public informed about issues affecting their communities.
