Rockford Sun

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Winnebago Community Unit School District 323 on January 28, 2025. The request, made by us at Rockford Sun, seeks copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study."

As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we believe access to these public records is essential for our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.

We have requested these documents preferably in electronic format under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. Given our role in disseminating information to the public, we have also requested a fee waiver as a media professional.

Winnebago Community Unit School District 323 Principal Dr. John Schwuchow (2023) | Winnebago Community Unit School District 323

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.

Our team at Rockford Sun will continue to gather and report news that provides transparency and holds our public institutions accountable.