A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Westmont Community Unit School District 201 in Illinois on January 13, 2025 by the DuPage Policy Journal. The request seeks information about the number of non-U.S. citizens, referred to as "migrants" in the request, currently enrolled in the school district.
The DuPage Policy Journal is a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs. In their role as a news outlet, they argue that access to public records is essential for fulfilling their professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
The DuPage Policy Journal believes it is eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional due to its role in disseminating information. The request was made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, with a preference for receiving the records in an electronic format.
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. Furthermore, it's worth noting that 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.
This data provides some context for understanding how resources are allocated within schools across Illinois and may provide insights into how these demographics could impact those resource allocations. As we continue our reporting on this issue and others related to education policy in Illinois, we will strive to provide transparent and accurate information for our readers.