Dupage Policy Journal

On January 28, 2025, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Bensenville School District 2 in Illinois. The request, issued by us at the DuPage Policy Journal, sought copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contained specific keywords.

The requested records were asked to be provided in an electronic format for ease of access and analysis. The keywords specified for this search included "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study". These terms are often associated with educational materials and teaching methodologies used in schools.

As a media organization dedicated to comprehensive coverage of local governmental affairs, we believe that access to such public records is crucial. It allows us to fulfill our professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.

Bensenville School District 2 Principal Dr. Katherine Mccluskey (2023) | Bensenville School District 2

In light of our role in disseminating information to the public, we have also requested a fee waiver as a media professional. This is in accordance with provisions under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

To provide further context on the education landscape in Illinois, it's worth noting some key statistics. 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 141:1, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. Interestingly, 58% of teachers in Illinois hold a master's degree or higher.

These figures underscore the importance of maintaining transparency within our educational institutions. We will continue our efforts to shed light on these matters through diligent reporting and investigation.