West Central Reporter

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Waverly Community Unit School District 6 regarding emails and memos on January 28, 2025. The request was made by West Central Reporter, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.

The FOIA request specifically asked for copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". As members of the media, we at West Central Reporter are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.

In relation to this, it's worth noting some statistics about education in Illinois. According to the Illinois Report Card, the average state teacher salary in 2023 was $73,916, while the state average administrative salary was $116,908. The average student-to-administrative ratio stands at 141:1, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. Furthermore, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

These figures provide important context for our ongoing investigation into local educational affairs. We remain committed to providing comprehensive coverage that holds institutions accountable and promotes transparency.