A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Meridian Community Unit School District 101 on January 28, 2025. The request, sent by Southern Illinois News, sought access to all emails and memos from the past year containing the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study".
As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, Southern Illinois News emphasizes that access to public records is crucial for their role in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency.
The requested information will help Southern Illinois News shed light on the school district's internal communications regarding Lucy Calkins and Units of Study. These could be related to teaching methodologies, curriculum planning or other educational strategies employed within the district.
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.
This data underscores the importance of understanding how decisions are made within our schools. As Southern Illinois News continues its mission to provide transparency and accountability in local government affairs, we believe this FOIA request will offer valuable insights into our education system.
We at Southern Illinois News look forward to a prompt response from Meridian Community Unit School District 101 as we continue our work in serving the public interest.
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