Macon Reporter

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to Decatur School District 61 on January 28, 2025. The request was made by the Macon Reporter, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.

The FOIA request seeks copies of all emails and memos from the past 12 months that contain the keywords “Lucy Calkins” and “Units of Study”. The information is sought under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, preferably in electronic format.

As members of the media, we at Macon 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.

Decatur School District 61 Principal Dr. Rochelle Clark (2023) | Decatur School District 61

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. Notably, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

We will continue our commitment to hold public institutions accountable while providing comprehensive coverage on local governmental affairs.