On January 13, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Pleasantdale School District 107 in Illinois by South Cook News. The media organization is seeking information regarding the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.
The request, which falls under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, specifically asks for the number of "migrants" (e.g., illegal aliens/non-U.S. citizens) presently enrolled in the school district. As a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, South Cook News believes access to public records is crucial for fulfilling its professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
South Cook News also stated that given its role in disseminating information, it believes it is eligible for 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. Notably, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
This request for information comes at a time when there's an increasing focus on transparency within educational institutions and their handling of various issues related to immigration status and education rights.
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