Freedom of Information Act
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act is also known as FOIA. 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.
How do I submit a FOIA request?
Requests must be submitted in writing (there is no required form to use). The request should include a brief description of the public records being sought, being as specific as possible. While FOIA requests can be received via email please provide a mailing address.
Submit FOIA requests to:
Andy Piper
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804
760 Red Oak Lane
Highland Park, IL 60035
apiper@truenorth804.org
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act requires agencies to respond within five working days of a receipt of a request. A five-day extension is allowed with written notification to the requester. If the FOIA request is for commercial purposes the agency has 21 working days to respond.
If the requested records are 50 pages or fewer in length, the pages will be copied and mailed to the requestor at no charge. The requester will be charged $.15 page for each additional page over 50.