A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Palos Heights School District 128 in Illinois on January 13, 2025. The request, made by South Cook News, a media organization committed to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought information about the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.
In their request, South Cook News emphasized the importance of public records for their journalistic duties, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. As a media professional, they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver.
The inquiry specifically asked for data on how many "migrants" (e.g., illegal aliens/non-U.S. citizens) are currently enrolled in the school district. This information is crucial as it helps shed light on the demographic makeup of students within the district and can provide insights into how resources are allocated.
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 enough, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
These statistics underscore the commitment of educators in Illinois towards delivering quality education despite challenges such as class size and administrative demands. However, understanding enrollment demographics such as migrant or non-citizen status can help inform policy decisions and resource allocation that best serve all students within a district.
At South Cook News, we continue to work tirelessly to gather and report accurate news that promotes transparency and accountability within our local government institutions.
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