A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Chaney-Monge School District 88 Board on January 28, 2025. The request, sent by the Will County Gazette, sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study."
As a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at the Will County Gazette believe access to public records is crucial for fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public.
The requested documents are expected to shed light on internal communications within the school district regarding Lucy Calkins and Units of Study. Lucy Calkins is a renowned educator known for her work in developing Units of Study, a series of books aimed at improving teaching methods in reading and writing.
In related news, according to the Illinois Report Card, 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 reported as 141:1, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1. Interestingly, over half (58%) of teachers in Illinois have earned a master's degree or higher.
We at Will County Gazette continue our commitment to provide transparent reporting on matters concerning education and governance in our community.