Chambana Sun

On January 28, 2025, we at Chambana Sun sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Ludlow Community Consolidated School District 142. The request was for 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 public records is essential in fulfilling our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.

In addition to our FOIA request, it's worth noting some statistics about Illinois' education system. 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 is 141:1, and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. Interestingly, over half (58%) of teachers in Illinois have a master's degree or higher.

Ludlow Community Consolidated School District 142 Principal Dru Lobmaster (2023) | Ludlow Community Consolidated School District 142

Our commitment as journalists extends beyond reporting current events. We strive to provide context and insight into broader trends and issues affecting our community. In this case, understanding how our schools operate and how resources are allocated is crucial for maintaining an informed citizenry.

We look forward to sharing any relevant information we receive from this FOIA request with our readers in order to further enhance transparency within our local government institutions.