On January 13, 2025, we at South Cook News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Alsip, Hazelgreen, Oak Lawn School District 126 in Illinois. The request sought to ascertain the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.
As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we believe that access to such public records is essential for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
We requested this information under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, preferably in electronic format. As members of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
In related data from the Illinois Report Card, it was reported that the average state teacher salary in 2023 was $73,916 while the state average administrative salary stood at $116,908. The average student-to-administrative ratio is pegged at 141:1 and the average student-to-teacher ratio stands at 17:1. Interestingly enough, about 58% of teachers in Illinois have earned a master's degree or higher.
We will continue our efforts to provide transparency and hold public institutions accountable by reporting on matters such as these that directly impact our community.
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