Dupage Policy Journal

On January 28, 2025, we at the DuPage Policy Journal sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Gower School District 62. The request pertains to copies of all emails and memos from the past year that contain the keywords "Lucy Calkins" and "Units of Study".

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

The information requested will help us in investigating the use of certain educational materials in Illinois schools. Lucy Calkins is a renowned education expert known for her Units of Study curriculum. Understanding how these resources are being utilized within Gower School District 62 can provide valuable insights into local education practices.

Tracy Murphy Principal at Gower School District 62 | Official Website

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, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1. Interestingly, 58% of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

We anticipate that this information will contribute significantly towards understanding how resources are allocated within our school districts and whether they align with best practices in education.

We at DuPage Policy Journal remain committed to providing transparency and accountability through diligent reporting on local government affairs.