FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)

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WHAT IS FOIA?

FOIA is the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), records in possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140, Section 2(c), a public record is any 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, possessed or under the control of any public body. Records that are not subject to release via the FOIA process include confidential and trade secret information.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT A REQUEST?

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act requires agencies to respond within five working days of receipt of a request. A five-day extension is allowed with written notification to the requester.

If the requested records are 50 pages, or less, in length, the pages will be copied and mailed to the requestor. If the records exceed 50 pages, the requester will be informed of the duplication cost.

The Regional Office of Education's Freedom of Information Act Officer is Jill Reedy. Request forms may be submitted by email to jreedy@roe39.org or fax 217-872-0240.