Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

  • FOIA is the state Freedom of Information Act. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, records in the possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request. Pursuant to Section 2 (c), “public records” are all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, recorded information, and all other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared or having been or being used, received, in the possession of or under the control of any public body.

    Frequently Asked Questions about the Freedom of Information Act

    FOIA Request Process

    If your inquiry is simply a question and not a request to see a specific record or document, you can call DPS Administrative Offices at 217.362.3000 and ask to speak with the appropriate staff on that topic. You do not need to file a FOIA request unless you want to access a specific record or document.

    Many types of documents and other sources of information can be found on our website. However, if your interest in DPS requires a FOIA request, please first read the FAQ document linked above, which describes the process, and then use one of the following ways to submit your request:

    By Email: MBradford@dps61.org

    By Mail:
    Decatur Public School District #61
    ATTN: Melissa Bradford, FOIA Officer
    Keil Administration Building
    101 West Cerro Gordo St.
    Decatur, IL  62523
     
    By Fax: 217.424.3009

    Monthly FOIA Report

    The Superintendent or designee shall: (1) provide the Board with sufficient information and data to permit the Board to monitor the District’s compliance with FOIA and this policy, and (2) report any FOIA requests during the Board’s regular meetings along with the status of the District’s response. The Board Secretary serves as the District’s FOIA Officer and will inform the Board of Education of any FOIA Reports from the previous month at every first Board meeting of the month. 

    Click through the tabs at the top to view the monthly FOIA reports.

      July-Dec 2025

      Date Received Due Date Extension Due Date Requestor Topic Summary Date Required
      06/11/25 06/20/25 None CT Mills, Public Info Access LLC Macon-Piatt Special Education District list of all school and district-level administrators, including: name, title/position, work email address and work location. 06/12/25
      06/18/25 07/21/25 None Karen Garcia, SmartProcure Employee Contact Info 06/23/25
      06/23/25 06/30/25 None Owen Wang, Macon Reporter Will the school math team from your high schools attend the annual (July) Mu Alpha Theta convention? If so, who will be attending, and who is sponsoring the trip? 06/27/25
      06/25/25 07/02/25 None Sharon Hanlon, Inter-State Studio & Purchasing Co. The quote results regarding school photography. 06/26/25
      07/01/25 07/09/25 None Kyrie Reitz, Communications Intern-Mackinac Center for Public Policy Union dues report and/or collective bargaining agreements for the first pay period in June 2025: the number of people (union members) who are having dues withdrawn from their paycheck, the total number of people covered by collective bargaining agreements (union contracts). 07/09/25
      07/07/25 07/14/25 None Heidi Beck, Former Employee Emails to and from Tasia Burks to Heidi Beck and vice versa and that have the key words Heidi, Beck or Heidi Beck by anyone employed at the Keil building or in an administrative position. Including any former or current HR personnel, excluding emails to and from Deanne Hillman and Heidi Beck which have been already sent to me. None at this time
      07/17/25 07/24/25 None Tony Jeremey Boomer, Community Copy of the recently signed MOU on Dual Credit between the IEA teacher's union and your school. 07/22/25
      08/11/25 09/125 None Sheri Reid, SmartProcure Copy of the recently signed MOU on Dual Credit between the IEA teacher's union and your school. 08/15/25
      08/19/25 08/26/25 None Victoria Banghart, SLP Speech & Lang. Therapy Copies of speech therapy contracts for the 24-25 and 25-26 school years 08/25/25
      08/28/25 09/05/25 None Arianne Reinke, School Specialty Bid Tabulation/Recap Request: 111-1866 Construction Paper 09/02/25
      09/02/25 09/09/25 None Owen Wang, Macon Reporter Names and honors of students in high school recognized by the College Board as AP Scholars. 09/03/25
      09/05/25 09/12/25 09/19/25 Janie Jordan, Data Research Parnters DPS 61 employees, email addresses, title/positions, department location 09/18/25
      09/08/25 09/15/25 None Owen Wang, Macon Reporter Contracts for school principals who will start the upcoming school year and all active teacher contracts/collective bargaining agreements. 09/15/25
      09/08/25 09/15/25 09/22/25 Owen Wang, Macon Reporter Names of graduates from middle schools and their destination high school. 09/17/25
      09/12/25 09/19/25 09/26/25 (Note Extension was not needed) Amber Egan, Community Individuals into teacher positions from 2022 through 09/12/25: first middle and last names, school district, school/facility, position/job function, position number, license type (PIDU license, short term substitute license, substitute license, or educator license with stipulations (ELS), etc.), endorsements and hire date. 09/19/25
      09/15/25 09/22/25 None Arianne Reinke, School Specialty Bid tabulation/recap request for 111-1867 Binder Clips, 111- 1861 Crayola Markers, 111- 1863 Office Supplies, 111-1864 Stapler and 111-177 Invisible Tape. 09/17/25
      09/15/25 09/16/25 09/29/25 Donna Ciabatti, Chair of 837/05 Extended/ current contract with Alltown/Beacon, billing from Alltown/ Beacon, as well as all payments paid to said contractor, with emphasis on type of work for each payment. 09/25/25
      09/18/25 09/25/25 None Donna Ciabatti, Chair of 837-05 Financial reports to and from Alltown bus company, the work study, noon runs that are being paid to Alltown/ Beacon and extended/ current contract DPS 61 currently has with this vendor. 09/25/25
      10/01/25 10/08/25 None Owen Wang, Macon Reporter Names of newly-inducted National Honor Society members from your high schools, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) finalists, if any, from your high schools Names of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) winners-- including Semifinalists, Commended Scholars, etc. from your high schools. 10/07/25
      10/03/25 10/10/25 10/20/25 Jim Dellert, Former DPS Employee Emails, test messages delivered or authored on district and personal electronic devises by District 61 employees including the following names: James Dellert, Jim Dellert, James (Jim ) Dellert, Lead Dellert, Lead James Dellert and Lead Jim Dellert between 10/4/23 thru 09/30/25. None at this time
      10/07/25 10/15/25 None Heidi Beck, Former DPS Employee Communication regarding Heidi Beck in any and all forms of emails, text messages, memoranda, letters, meeting notes, or other correspondence among the following individuals: Dr. Rochelle Clark, Larry Gray, Deanne Hillman, Valdimir Talley, Jeffery Dase, Mary Brady, Eldon Conn, Monica Wilks, Kamie Meador, Tasia Burks and Jason Fox between 01/01/21 – 10/07/25. None at this time
      10/14/25 10/21/25 10/28/25 Jim Dellert, Former Employee FOIA REQUEST revisedelectronic communication include the names of, Jim Dellert James Dellert James Jim Dellert Jim James Dellert Lead Dellert Lead James Dellert Lead Jim Dellert Lead Jim James Dellert Lead James Jim Dellert-emails that occurred between 11/01/24 and 10/15/25 sent and or received between administration, SDMS administration, Adam Banner, Val Talley, SDMS secretaries, security and SRO that have worked at SDMS during the requested time frame. 10/28/25
      10/24/25 10/31/25 Heidi Beck, Former Employee My being moved to Hope Academy. Who made the decision and why? My denials to receive further training during the summer of 2023 (in-between working at EHS and Hope). I asked Dr. Gray and Tasia Burks several times and was denied. Communication between Deanna Hillman and other cabinet members and/or the board about my request to be moved to another school or be paid out of my contract in the fall of 2023. Communication between Deanna Hillman and Mary Brady about my evaluation 11/07/25
      11/10/25 12/12/25 None Sheri Reid, SmartProcure Purchasing records from 08/13/25-11/10/25. 11/11/25
      11/18/25 11/25/25 None Jacob Hunt, Teamsters Email communications, including attachments, between any representative of Teamsters Local 916 (including but not limited to John Berry, Danielle Watts, JP Fyans and Dave Rush, using any @teamsters916.org address) and any employee of Decatur Public Schools District 61 (including but not limited to Monica Wilks, Caleb Allen, Floyd Bolt, and any other administrator) from 09/15/25–11/18/25, that reference grievance or grievances, IELRB, Hunt, Holloway, in abeyance, on hold until the IELRB makes… 12/02/25

      Jan-Jun 2025

      Date Received Due Date Extension Due Date Requestor Topic Summary Date Required
      01/16/25 01/24/25 None Sheila Norman, Illinois Retired Teachers Association Name & email address of certified staff (teachers, admins, counselors, etc.) who are retiring this year. 01/21/25
      01/28/25 02/04/25 None Owen Wang, Macon Reporter Emails & memos from past 12 months with Lucy Calkins & Units of Study. 02/04/25
      01/29/25 02/05/25 02/12/25 Molly Sweeney, WCIA Emails & internal memos from last 30 days between the BOE regarding expulsions of students 2425-0017, 2425-0018 and 2425-0019, suspensions of two custodians and a school security officer and terminations of a MPSED Paraprofessional. None at this time
      02/12/25 03/14/25 None Sheri Reid, Smart Procure Purchasing records from 11/15/24 – 02/12/25 02/13/25
      03/13/25 02/21/25 02/28/25 Molly Sweeney, WCIA Records and documents from the last two months regarding the expulsions of students 2425-0017, 2425-0018 and 2425-0019, suspensions of two custodians and a school security officer and terminations of a MPSED Paraprofessional. 02/28/25
      02/20/25 02/27/25 None Susan Sidener Account Manager, GFL Environmental Current trash and recycling contract with a private hauler. The current contract with Waste Management is to expire 7.2025 and a bid will be announced in mid-April. 06/26/25
      03/04/25 03/11/25 None Valerie Wells, H&R Any change in job status of Supt. Rochelle Clark and reason she has not attended board meetings for the months of January and February. Any change in status of Assist. Supt. Larry Gray, who has been referred to as "acting superintendent" recently. 03/07/25
      03/12/25 03/19/25 03/26/25 Rashaad Jones, WEIU Reporter for EIU Salaries of all faculty for 2023- 2024, the costs for health insurance plan offered to faculty including costs for individuals, families and children, and how much incoming faculty receive with no experience, what is the step plan/steps for increasing salary. 03/21/25
      03/12/25 03/19/25 None Aaron Hanford, Attorney at Law Copy of the 2022-23 District 61 Student Code of Conduct and Parent Handbook. 03/13/25
      03/17/25 03/24/25 None ACB#1 Electronic data maintained by the Treasurer's office for the annual expenses paid to identified vendors, firms, and individuals for the fiscal years 2024, 2014, and 2004. 03/21/25
      03/18/25 03/25/25 None Jackie Hartwell, SCW Add quoteme@scw.com (SCW) to your email group for quick quotes and the buying consortium(s) that you are currently using. 03/21/25
      03/20/25 04/21/25 None Abbas Khan, CEO, Inovo A1 Solutions LLC Purchasing records from 07/01/2020 – 02/17/2024 03/21/25
      03/24/25 04/01/25 None ACB #2 Electronic data maintained by the district’s Treasurer for the annual expenses paid to identified vendors, firms, and individuals for the fiscal years 2019, 2009, and 1999. 04/01/25
      03/24/25 04/01/25 None ACB #3 Electronic data maintained by the district’s Treasurer for the annual expenses paid to identified vendors, firms, and individuals for the fiscal years 2020, 2010, and 2000. 04/01/25
      03/25/25 04/02/25 None ACB #4 Electronic data maintained by the district’s Treasurer for the annual expenses paid to identified vendors, firms, and individuals for the fiscal years 2021, 2011, and 2001. 04/01/25
      03/26/25 04/03/25 None ACB #5 Electronic data maintained by the district’s Treasurer for the annual expenses paid to identified vendors, firms, and individuals for the fiscal years 2022, 2012, and 2002. 04/01/25
      03/27/25 04/04/25 None ACB #6 Electronic data maintained by the district’s Treasurer for the annual expenses paid to identified vendors, firms, and individuals for the fiscal years 2023, 2013, and 2003. 04/01/25
      03/31/25 04/07/25 None ACB #7 Electronic data maintained by the district’s Treasurer for the annual expenses paid to identified vendors, firms, and individuals for the fiscal years 2018, 2008, and 1998. 04/03/25
      03/31/25 04/07/25 None ACB #8 Electronic data maintained by the district’s Treasurer for the annual expenses paid to identified vendors, firms, and individuals for the fiscal years 2015 and 2005. 04/03/25
      03/31/25 04/07/25 None ACB #9 Electronic data maintained by the district’s Treasurer for the annual expenses paid to identified vendors, firms, and individuals for the fiscal years 2016 and 2006. 04/03/25
      03=31/25 04/07/25 None ACB #10 Electronic data maintained by the district’s Treasurer for the annual expenses paid to identified vendors, firms, and individuals for the fiscal years 2017 and 2007. 04/03/25
      03=31/25 04/07/25 None Rashaad Jones, WEIU Reporter for EIU Salaries of all faculty for 2023- 2024 and their names/titles. 04/04/25
      04/0125 04/08/25 None Sarah Harmon, SmartProcure The current and active contract, and any amendments/renewals, between Cartwheel Health, as the vendor, and DPS 61. 04/03/25
      04/01/25 04/08/25 None Drew Laney, Community BOE meeting attendance records for every school board meeting since 2021 after the candidates elected got seated, up until the most recent meeting. 04/03/25
      04/14/25 04/22/25 None Susan Sidener, GFL Environmental Date on when the waste disposal bid will be released. 04/14/25

      July - Dec 2024

      Date Received Due Date Extension Due Date Requestor Topic Summary Date Respnded
      06/05/24 06/12/24 06/20/24 Zach Reynolds, Cunningham Lopez LLC See July 16, 2024 Open Session Board Packet 06/20/24
      06/14/24 06/24/24 None Bret Arnoldussen, School Specialtiy Bid tabulations/results for 2024-7 PE Task Force 06/18/24
      06/17/24 06/25/24 None Bret Arnoldussen, School Specialty Bid tabulations/results for 2024-7 PE Task Force 06/18/24
      06/21/24 06/28/24 07/28/24 Zach Reynolds, Cunningham Lopez LLC See July 16, 2024 Open Session Board Packet 07/08/24
      07/03/24 07/24/24 07/18/24 Frank Curry, FOIA Buddy See July 16, 2024 Open Session Board Packet non at this time
      07/17/24 07/24/24 07/31/24 Rylan Klatt, Macon Reporter School district vendor contracts/agreements valued over $1000 that will be in effect for the 24-25 school year and employment contracts and collective bargaining agreemetns for any full-time aide janitorial staff member, teacher and princiipals. 07/31/24
      07/29/24 08/05/24 08/12/24 Heidi Beck, Community Member Email communications between Deanne Hillman and Heidi Back from 08/01/24-05/31/24 None at this time
      08/16/24 09/17/24 none Sheri Reid, Smart Procure Purchasing records from 05/22/24-08/16/24 08/20/24
      08/19/24 08/26/24 09/03/24 Owen Wang, Macon Reporter Staff/Teacher, Title and Salaries 09/03/24
      08/27/24 09/04/24 none Owen Wang, Macon Reporter School clubs for 2024-25 SY 09/26/24
      08/29/24 09/06/24 none Owen Wang, Macon Reporter Schools calendars for 2024-2025 SY 09/26/24
      08/30/24 09/09/24 None Owen Wang, Macon Reporter Official enrollment reporter to ISBE 09/26/24
      09/06/24 09/13/24 None Lisa Holmes, Community Footage at Johns Hill on 08/30/24 09/13/24
      09/11/24 09/18/24 None Glyn Coakley, Eplan Bidding Bid tabulation for playgrounds. 09/26/24
      9/16/24 9/23/24 NOne Lisa Holms, Community Footage at Johns Hill on 08/30/24 09/20/24
      09/19/24 09/26/24 None Owen Wang, Macon Reporter Evacuation plan 09/26/24
      10/08/24 10/15/24 None Jered Piepenbrink, IL Dept. of Employment Security Public records that include job titles, wages (hourly or salary), department, and hours worked (if part time) of all employees of Decatur Public School District 61 listed on the Quarterly Contribution report for the payroll that included May 12, 2024. 10/14/24
      10/10/24 10/17/24 None Carlee Bronkema, WAND Reporter Communications sent between 09/01/24- 10/09/24 containing the following words/phrases: Dennis Lab School, Dennis security guard, Dennis inappropriate relationship, Dennis Special Education (or SPED) student; specifically phrases about an inappropriate relationship between a SPED student and security guard. 10/14/24
      10/10/24 10/17/24 None Arianne Reinke, School Specialty Bid tabulations/results 111-1848 Notebook, 111- 1849 Envelopes, 111- 1850 General Supplies and 111-1851 Paper 10/14/24
      10/15/24 10/23/24 10/30/24 Carlee Bronkema, WAND Reporter Communications sent between 10/01/24- 10/09/24 containing the following words/phrases: Dennis Lab School, Dennis security guard, Dennis inappropriate relationship, Dennis assault, Dennis SPED student. 10/30/24
      10/25/24 11/01/24 11/11/24 Leara Evans, Retired DPS Employee Policy the district uses as the rationale for student expulsions, number of expulsions for the current 24-25 school year by gender, race or ethnicity and number of prior discipline referrals on record for each student expelled, number of discipline referrals for each individual student expelled during the 22-23 and 23-24 school years and the District’s policy or procedures followed when placing students in Alternative programs. None at this time
      10/29/24 11/06/24 None Ashley Garner, DPS Parent Records related to Seveon Robinson for the past five years: disciplinary records, attendance records, cumulative educational files, including academic test scores and grade reports, academic or behavioral interventions that Seveon Robinson was recommended for or participated in, including but not limited to afterschool tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) interventions. 11/06/24
      11/04/24 11/12/24 None Carlee Bronkema, WAND Reporter Emails, text messages and memos between Kamie Meador, Maria Robertson, and Dr. Rochelle Clark about an incident involving a Dennis Lab Kindergarten student on 10/24/24 between 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. None at this time
      11/08/24 12/12/24 None Karen Garcia, Employee Contact Info 11/18/24
      11/12/24 11/19/24 None K. C. Crabb, Office Depot Bid Results #111-1838 11/13/24

      Jan-June 2024

      Date Received Due Date Extension Due Date Requestor Topic Summary Date Responded
      01/11/24 01/19/24 None Mai-Anh Pham, Legal Action Chicago Balance of unpaid bills for school meals, amount of outstanding school meal debt (SMD) from the previous school years that were recovered from the most recent school year, # of pupils with SMD in their account, contracts between you and any 3rd party entity whose duties include recovering SMD from parents or students and bylaws or policies that you maintain in relation to SMD. 01/19/24
      01/16/24 01/23/24 None Bret Arnoldussen, School Specialty Bid tabulations for the for 111-1822 General Supplies. 01/19/24
      01/17/24 01/25/24 None Nathan Mihelich, IL Retired Teachers Association Name and email address of any certified staff (teachers, admin, nurses, counselors, etc.) who are retiring this year. 01/19/24
      01/22/24 01/29/24f 02/05/24 Alyssa Patrick, WAND Employee file of Benjamin Evans, except for records exempt by Section 7, disciplinary records from 11/2022 – 11/2023, emails or texts regarding his discipline and complaints filed against Mr. Evans by staff, students and parents. 02/05/24
      02/02/24 02/09/24 None Alyssa Patrick, WAND Emails sent to and from Principal Jared Lamb, Supt. Dr. Rochelle Clark, Assist. Supt. Jeff Dase and Denise Swarthout from 01/24/24 01/31/24 including the words "Stephen Decatur Middle School", "fight", "parents", "physical altercation", "incident", "tip", "plan for "fight", "parents coming to school" or "dismissal". 02/09/24
      02/09/24 02/20/24 02/27/24 Alyssa Patrick, WAND Emails to & from Jared Lamb, Rochelle Clark, Jeff Dase & Denise Swarthout: 01/25/24- 01/26/24 words Stephen Decatur Middle School, fight, parents, physical altercation, incident, tip, plan for fight, parents coming to school or dismissal. 02/22/24
      02/12/24 02/20/24 None Megan Shannon, Fegan Scott LLC Communications to/from Raptor T. regarding data breach or leak which left sensitive school records and personal information of students, parents, and school staff unprotected. 02/20/24
      02/20/24 03/21/24 None Sheri Reid, SmartProcure Purchasing records from 11/20/23 – 02/20/24. 02/20/24
      02/22/24 02/29/24 None Bret Arnoldussen, School Specialty Bid tabulations for the for 111-1824 General Supplies. 02/22/24
      02/25/24 03/05/24 None Leara Evans, Retired Employee http://www.dps61.org/EvansFOIAs030524 03/05/24
      02/27/24 03/07/24 None Leara Evans, Retired Employee http://www.dps61.org/EvansFOIAs030524 TBD
      02/27/24 03/07/24 None Leara Evans, Retired Employee http://www.dps61.org/EvansFOIAs030524 TBD
      02/29/24 03/07/24 None Alyssa Patrick, WAND Employee file of Nathan Gipson, except for records exempt by Section 7, disciplinary records from 08/2023 – 02/2024, emails or texts regarding his discipline and complaints filed against Mr. Gipson by staff, students and parents. 03/07/24

      July-Dec 2023

      Date Received Due Date Extension Due Date Requestor Topic Summary Date Responded
      07/05/23 07/12/23 07/19/23 Jodi S. Cohen and Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica Correspondence between the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights or its representatives since 02/02/23, related to the OCR Title VI – discipline complaint filed on that date, Subpoenas or requests for information since 02/02/23 related to the OCR complaint, depositions or other written statements since 02/02/23 taken in connection with the OCR complaint and reports created or completed since 02/02/23 in connection with the OCR complaint or the underlying incidents or allegations. T 07/17/23
      07/10/12 07/17/12 None Andrew Montgomery, Community Member Emails including Andrew Taylor, BOE members, DPS 61 staff, or BLDD Architects as sender or recipient related to American Dreamer STEM Academy from 01/01/22-09/30/22, phone records for calls made to or received from BLDD Architects from 01/01/22-09/30/22, September 30, 2022 and BOE Executive Session or DPS 61 administration meeting minutes involving American Dreamer STEM Academy from 01/01/22-09/30/22. 07/17/23
      07/12/23 07/19/23 None Bret Arnoldussen, schoolSpecialty Bid Tab for 2023-7 Backpacks Supplies and Hygiene Kits. 07/17/23
      07/19/23 07/26/23 None Cassie Oakely, SchoolSpecialty Bid Results for 87-1540 Franklin Grove Flex Seating and 87-1539 South Shores Flex Seating III. 07/20/23
      07/20/23 07/27/23 None Ali Molski, School Outfitters Bid Results for 2023-11 and 2023-12. 07/24/23
      07/24/23 07/31/23 None Ramona Monique Neil Invoices and checks made payable to the following business for any time period: School Leadership Solutions, LLC, dba Lead 180 and/or EduCompass. 07/26/23
      07/26/23 08/02/23 None Mark Pieske, Community Member It is my understanding Alana Banks no longer has residency in the district. Can you confirm if this is true and if so how can she continue to be a Board member? 07/28/23
      07/26/23 08/02/23 None T. Howely, Community Member Pls send me the attendance sheet for this current board since their initial meeting in May of this year ……..for each open session meeting they have had 07/28/23
      07/26/23 08/02/23 None Ramona Monique Neal Correction, can you please provide the Tax-Exempt Number for School Leadership Solutions dba Lead 180? 07/28/23
      07/28/23 08/04/23 None Craig Rich, Onward Injury Law We request the following in regards to the incident of 10/7/22 involving Video Camera Footage - All audio and video camera footage from the school bus on which this incident occurred. 08/04/23
      07/26/23 08/02/23 None Cassie Oakely, School Specialty Bid Results/Recap 2023-12 07/28/23
      08/02/23 08/09/23 08/16/23 Reed Sutman, Decatur Vote http://www.dps61.org/SutmanFOIAs080223 08/16/23
      08/11/23 08/18/23 None Reed Sutman, Decatur Vote Aug 1 Zoom - Audio or video recording of the meeting, list of attendees, including the time each host & attendee joined & exited the meeting, any chats, questionnaires, or other digital records related to the meeting, agenda & packet/related documents/presentations and meeting minutes. 08/18/23
      08/15/23 08/22/23 08/29/23 Reed Sutman, Decatur Vote http://www.dps61.org/SutmanFOIAs091223 08/29/23
      08/16/23 08/23/23 08/30/23 Reed Sutman, Decatur Vote http://www.dps61.org/SutmanFOIAs091223 08/30/23
      08/16/23 08/23/23 08/30/23 Reed Sutman, Decatur Vote http://www.dps61.org/SutmanFOIAs091223 08/30/23
      08/22/23 09/21/23 None Sheri Reid, Smart Procure Purchasing Records from 05/24/23-08/22/23 08/31/23
      08/29/23 09/06/23 None Bret Arnoldussen, Smart Procure Bid Tab-111-1806 General Supplies-II Decatur SD 61 08/30/23
      08/29/23 09/06/23 09/13/23 Emily Hays, IL Public Media Copies of the most recent, 10-year safety survey reports from all schools (except Dennis since you already posted those two reports from 2013 online). 09/13/23
      08/29/23 09/06/23 09/13/23 Reed Sutman, Decatur Vote http://www.dps61.org/sutmanfoias091223 09/13/23
      09/11/23 09/18/23 None Janine Asmus, School Librarians Identify (by employee name and work email address) each and every District employee who is certified as a school librarian (meaning they have the school library licensure and/or endorsement in library media) and who is currently working in that capacity in your District's library/libraries/media centers this academic school year. 09/15/23
      09/13/23 09/20/23 None Reed Sutman, Decatur Vote A record of attendance of School Board members at Board Meetings. If you need a date range, let's do January 1, 2019 - September 12, 2023. 09/15/23
      09/13/23 09/20/23 09/27/23 Reed Sutman, Decatur Vote Documents, emails, or other records detailing repair estimates for Dennis Lab's Mosaic and Kaleidoscope Campuses, regarding 2023 structural issues. 09/27/23
      09/22/23 09/29/23 None Reed Sutman, Decatur Vote Can I get the August 23, 2022 meeting minutes? 09/28/23
      09/26/23 10/03/23 None Vanessa Martinez, Lakeshore Learning Materials Award Inquiry: 2023-15 Muffley Elementary Flex Seating and 87-1540 Franklin Grove Flex Seating 09/28/23

      Jan-June 2023

      Date Received Due Date Extension Due Date Requestor Topic Summary Date Responded
      01/04/23 01/11/23 01/19/23 Matthew Spain, Attorney Discipline administered to and/or received by Scott Wagner during his employment with public body and any investigation(s) and communications associated with that discipline; employee file of Scott Wagner, minus any records exempt by Section 7 of the Act or redactions of personal information; and any correspondence, related to any complaints filed or lodged against Scott Wagner. 01/18/23
      01/10/23 01/18/23 None James Dellert, DPS Employee How many people applied for this position (Safety & Security Admin), qualifications of persons interviewed, why the position closed but re-opened, why some were interviewed yet other not, qualifications or not, correspondence in reference to this job opening and any person the applied for the position and correspondence about this position with the name James Dellert, Jim Dellert, Dellert included. 01/18/2023
      01/26/23 02/02/23 None Nathan Mihelich, IL Retired Teachers Assoc. Name and email address of certified staff (teachers, administrators, nurses, counselors, etc.) who are retiring this year 01/27/23
      02/01/23 02/08/23 None Mike Mathieson, Community Member Form that shows Contracts Exceeding $25,000, and the website links to the form for 2015, 2016 through the most current year reported and current fiscal year and the previous FY of contract awarded greater than $10,000 (value, company name and duration. 02/07/23
      02/03/23 02/10/23 None Nick Wong, Community Member Names of employees (teachers, admin, staff, etc.) of the district, their job title (including grade/subject or dept), home base, years in district, FTE hour, salary amounts, and lane/step if applicable for School Year 2022 and 2021. 02/07/23
      02/05/23 02/13/23 None Ruth Cortright, Community Member U.S. Mail addresses for the current board members 02/07/23
      02/07/23 02/14/23 None Sara Madden-Jones, Paralegal Documents and video concerning any incidents or complaints related to bus driver Irene M. Henderson from 01/01/22-10/10/22 02/09/23
      02/15/23 02/23/23 None Reed Sutman, Community Member In a recent meeting, the superintendent said they received a very long email from one of the staff that was very concerning, then proceeded to talk about how the community needs to help with the school. I'd like a copy of the email that she was referencing, as well as any forwards & replies of said email. 02/22/23
      02/23/23 03/24/23 None Sheri Reid, SmartProcure Purchasing records from 12/05/22 – 02/23/23. 03/02/23
      02/27/23 02/28/23 None Paul Phillips, Public Data Research DPS 61 employees first and last names, email address, title/position, and primary department. 02/28/23
      03/01/23 03/08/23 03/15/23 Valerie Wells, Herald & Review Number of expulsions approved in each of the last five years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and so far this year up to today. Of those expulsions, how many were referred to alternative education. 03/14/23
      03/03/23 03/10/23 None Records Management, Catalyst Financial Group, LLC For all employees of Decatur Public School District, could you please provide me with the following information? Name, Position/Title, Years of Service in the District, Years of Service in the State,Building/Location, District Email Address, Personal Phone Number, Personal Email Address and Salary. 3/10/23
      03/09/23 03/15/23 None Alida Graham, Retired Teacher/DEA President Expulsion data for the 2022-23 school year: date of the expulsion, age, race and gender of the student and were they provided a stay for alternative. 03/14/23
      03/10/23 03/17/23 None Willie Harris, DPS Employee Copy of complaint. 03/16/23
      03/13/23 03/20/23 None Alyssa Patrick, WAND Employee file of Scott Wagner, except for records exempt by Section 7, disciplinary records from 01/2020 through 01/2023, emails or texts regarding his discipline. Lastly, I am requesting any complaints filed against Mr. Wagner by staff, students and parents. 03/20/23
      03/15/23 03/22/23 None Alida Graham, Retired Teacher/DEA President Who are the two who were offered alternative? 03/16/23
      03/15/23 04/17/23 None Reed Sutman, Community Member Does DPS 61 offer curriculum in trades such as wood shop, auto shop, welding, and home-economics? If yes, can I get a full list of trades programs that are available and what grades are eligible for 03/29/23 said programs & what schools they're offered in? 03/29/23
      03/15/23 04/17/23 None Reed Sutman, Community Member Extended Day: Is there a volunteer aspect of the program? I.e. can HS students, parents, or community members help tutor students after school? Is there a similar program for high school students? What is the estimated annual cost for the district? When was this program first implemented? 03/29/23
      03/22/23 03/29/23 04/05/23 Dylan Wayne Nunn, Community Member Emails containing the names Dylan Nunn, Dylan, Nunn or referencing Dylan Nunn, Dylan, and Nunn from 03/01/1803/21/23 and full employee file for Dylan Nunn. 04/05/23
      03/30/23 04/06/23 04/14/23 Alyssa Patrick, WAND Emails sent 11/06-11/13/2020 regarding a "Nudity Activity Alert" flagged for illicit content uploaded or downloaded to a DPS61 Google Drive account and emails from 11/6/20 through 11/13/20 with the words: Scott Wagner, Nudity Alert, Firewall and Pornographic images. 04/12/23
      03/07/23 03/14/23 None Bret Arnoldussen, SchoolSpecialty Bid Tabulation for quote 111-1791 Please note: this response was delayed due to request was in “junk” mail. 03/30/23
      03/14/23 03/21/23 None Bret Arnoldussen, SchoolSpecialty Bid Tabulation for quote 111-1793 Please note: this response was delayed due to request was in “junk” mail. 03/30/23
      04/04/23 04/12/23 None Janie Jordan, Data Research Employee’s first and last names, e-mail address, title/position, and primary campus/department location. 04/06/23
      04/05/23 04/13/23 None Tara Todd, NCS Credit Copy of the payment bond that the general contractor obtained for the project: SDMS Gymnasium Bleacher Replacement. We believe the general contractor for this project is: Tank Construction Supplies LLC, 1807 S. Neil Street, Champaign, IL 61820. 04/06/23
      04/06/23 04/14/23 None Dylan Wayne Nunn, Community Member Emails containing the names Dylan Nunn and Nunn or referencing Dylan Nunn and Nunn from 03/01/2018 – 03/21/2023. 04/12/23

      Aug-Dec 2022

      Date Received Due Date Extension Due Date Requestor Topic Summary Date Responded
      08/01/22 08/08/22 None Robert Mooth, Community Member Has the Board publicly reviewed the "culturally relevant" books that 1st Educators is putting in the classrooms and school libraries? If so, what were their findings? Was the public notified of, and allowed to review, these books before their injection into our school system? Please send me a complete list of all the books and materials already placed and being used, as well as a list of books that will be placed, in the schools. 08/01/22
      08/02/22 08/09/22 None Lloyd Davis, SED Parent Date was supposed to be 8/1/2021 - 7/25/2022 can you try to locate a foia under same grounds but under different dates. Records on emails and text messages and phone calls as well documents received by Sarah Schrader of Macon piatt special education department. this documents in essence should reveal any document made against myself or report. this should day from 8/1/2022- current date. District phone number is 217-619-2167. I'm Request all documents and evidence that considered to be against m 08/10/22
      08/04/22 08/11/22 None Illinois Policy Research Number of complaints about teachers with the district by parents each year, beginning with 2016-2017 school year until present and process that the school district uses when it receives a complaint about a teacher from a parent. 08/11/22
      08/08/22 08/15/22 None Leara Evans, Retired Teacher Contract for purchase or bill of sale for the old Garfield Elementary/Durfee building located on the corner of Grand and Oakland, district policy on dropping retired teachers from the substitute list, job description for behavior interventionist positions, Communication Director’s job description and the District’s organizational chart. 08/15/22
      08/08/22 08/15/22 None Leara Evans, Retired Teacher Retired person to the Director of Human Resources position without posting the position and at least attempting to fill the vacancy. Jason Hood resigned on March 24, 2022 and Deanne Hillman retired officially on June 1, 2022. TRS requires that retirees can only fill vacant positions after the district has exhausted all efforts to fill a position. 08/15/22
      08/08/22 08/15/22 None Joshua Gibson Community Member School board meeting by-laws. 08/11/22
      08/09/22 08/16/22 None Krystal Bennett, All Town Bus Driver Contract between dps61 and alltown. 08/11/22
      08/10/22 08/17/22 None Donna Ciabatti, Community Member Dps61's current contract with Alltown bus company. 08/11/22
      08/10/22 08/17/22 08/24/22 Jacob Jenkins, Community Member HR Director Posting, date it was posted and on what sites, for how long, and when it was reposted on those sites, internal and external applicants for this position, email or text messages between BOE, HR Staff, any District employee, DLTD, with the words Human Resources Director, or HR and Board policy or ethics violation associated with interviewing Sarah Oakes while her father is a sitting board member and president. 08/24/22
      08/10/22 08/17/22 None Steve Grimm, Community Member Andrew Taylor’s email. 08/11/22
      08/11/22 08/18/22 None Leara Evans, Retired Teacher Dates that Director of HR position was posted from 03/24/22-08/01/22, dates that Director of Labor Relations position was posted from 03/24/22-08/01/22, how long must positions be posted as required by the Department of Labor, how many applicants were interviewed for DHR and the dates, job descriptions for DHR and DLR, posting for the Vacant School Board position that was announced at last night’s 08/09/22 meeting and deadline for receiving resumes and the name of the person it should be sent t 08/18/22
      08/26/22 09/02/22 None Annie Ma, Reporter, Associated Press Data regarding the number of student expulsions held in abeyance in the district for each school year between 2016-2021, including raw total, raw data by race, raw data by gender, raw data for students with an IEP/non-IEP, raw data for students by grade in school and raw data for students placed in an alternative educational program and policies or standard agreements for expulsions held in abeyance contingent on placement in an alternative educational program, or any other similar term or pract 08/30/22
      08/26/22 09/02/22 None Joshua Gibson, Community Member Why submission deadline was extended since I applied to fill the seat and wasn’t ever contacted? Also, what is the board’s policy in the by-laws that prompts an extension in submission deadline in relation to this and if there are any laws, by-laws and/or requirements for posting openings for open board seats and minimum/maximum time frame to keep the posting open as well as the same time frame for filling the seat? 08/31/22
      08/29/22 09/28/22 None Sheri Reid, SmartProcure Purchasing records from 05/31/22 – 08/29/22. 08/30/22
      09/07/22 09/14/22 None Leara Evans, Retired Teacher List of names that applied for the school board position, how many minority teachers are there working that hold a Professional Educators License (PEL), how many retired teachers that hold a PEL are working and filling vacant positions as long term substitutes, what is the pay for a long term substitute that hold a PEL, what is the pay for a substitute that does not hold a PEL, written copy of the procedure or policy that is used to drop retired teachers from the district’s substitute list, how 09/14/22
      09/07/22 09/14/22 None Lori Nelson, Community Member Emails by the board members pertaining to the seat position that became open on august 23, 2022. This should include all emails about to the submissions received, the resume and letter of interest deadline extension, and any email regarding selecting a new member filling the open seat since the new deadline of august 31to now and since the beginning of the procedure to fill the now open seat. 09/14/22
      09/09/22 09/16/22 None Joshua Gibson, Community Member Did I need to make it clear somehow that I met the qualifications laid out in the posting of the board of education seat opening? 09/14/22
      09/09/22 09/16/22 None Valerie Wells, H&R Reporter List of the person(s) who applied for the board seat vacated by former President Dan Oakes. 09/14/22
      09/14/22 09/21/22 None Joshua Gibson, Community Member Emails by any member of the board of education relating to the open board seat. The opening, the discussion of the candidates, the selection, the deadline extension and reason, everything. 09/21/22
      09/14/22 09/21/22 None Margie Payne, School Specialty Bid tab information for Quote # 666-79. 09/15/22
      09/16/22 09/23/22 None Jennifer Smith Richards, Chicago Tribune MPSED for 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 school years: number of student referrals to law enforcement, number of student arrests by law enforcement for and number of incidents in which a student was cited or ticketed by law enforcement for an ordinance violation. 09/21/22
      09/21/22 09/28/22 None Brea Acosta, EHS Parent Incident regarding our daughter on 8/18/22 at EHS. 09/28/22
      09/21/22 09/28/22 None Melanie Ishmael, MPSED Parent Number of students in each DPS building and in each class, number of long-term subs total and in each building, number of certified teachers on DPS’s payroll total and per building, number of Paraprofessionals in DPS total and per building, number of open teacher and paraprofessional positions, list of supplies that fall under instructional and the process to acquire, list of supplies that fall under the school budget and the process to acquire and where is the process for getting supplies docum 09/28/22
      09/22/22 09/29/22 None James Dellert, DPS Employee Can you provide information to obtain the FOIA forms, request, requirements and what the district will and will not provide? Of course, by law not district policy. 09/28/22
      09/29/22 10/06/22 None Leara Evans, Retired Teacher School district board agendas for March 12, 2019 and June 9, 2022, number of teaching positions for 2022/2023, number of vacant positions and vacant positions are filled by retired teachers. 10/06/22