Rockford Sun

On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Pecatonica Community Unit School District 321. The request, made by Rockford Sun, a media organization committed to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, asked for copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study."

The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. The desired format for these records is electronic. As members of the media, we at Rockford Sun 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.

In addition to this request, 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. Interestingly enough, over half (58%) of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

Pecatonica Community Unit School District 321 Principal Mr. Carl B. Carlson (2023) | Pecatonica Community Unit School District 321

This FOIA request aims not only to provide transparency but also offer insight into how these figures relate to communication within school districts regarding specific educational programs or individuals like Lucy Calkins or Units of Study. We believe this information will be beneficial for understanding how educational decisions are made and how they might impact students' learning experiences.

As always at Rockford Sun, we remain committed to delivering accurate information that aids in promoting accountability within our local institutions.