On January 13, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Dolton School District 149 in Illinois by South Cook News. The media organization sought information regarding the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.
The request, filed under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, specifically asked for data on how many "migrants" (e.g., illegal aliens/non-U.S. citizens) are presently enrolled in the school district. South Cook News is a media outlet dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
As part of their journalistic duties, South Cook News emphasized their role in gathering and reporting news to the public. 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 disseminating information, they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
In relation to this story, it's worth noting some statistics about education in Illinois. 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, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
South Cook News continues its commitment to bring clarity and transparency around local government affairs and education-related issues.
Alerts Sign-up