South Cook News

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Chicago Ridge School District 127-5 in Illinois on January 13, 2025, by South Cook News. The media organization sought information about the number of non-U.S. citizens currently enrolled in the school district.

South Cook News, dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, has made this request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. They prefer the information in an electronic format for easy dissemination.

In their request, South Cook News emphasized their role as a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. They highlighted that 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.

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, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

The response from Chicago Ridge School District 127-5 regarding this FOIA request will shed light on the enrollment statistics of non-U.S. citizens within its jurisdiction and contribute significantly towards maintaining transparency within our education system.