South Cook News

On January 13, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Lemont Township High School District 210. The request, filed by South Cook News, sought to ascertain the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.

South Cook News is a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. In their communication with the school district, they emphasized their role in gathering and reporting news to the public. They stated that access to public records is crucial for them to fulfill their professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act under which this request was made allows for access to government documents and records. As part of their request, South Cook News asked for a fee waiver as a media professional engaged in disseminating information.

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, it was also reported that 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

This FOIA request forms part of South Cook News' ongoing commitment to ensuring transparency within our local institutions. It serves as an important reminder of our collective responsibility as members of society to stay informed about how our public institutions function and who they serve.