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.

Frequently requested information available on the ISBE website (no FOIA request required)


How can I submit a FOIA request?

Requests must be submitted in writing and can be:

ISBE has no FOIA request form. Letters should state that information is being sought under the Freedom of Information Act. Provide a brief description of the public records requested, being as specific as possible. While responses can be provided via e-mail, please provide a mailing address.

ISBE's FOIA Officer:  Matt Vanover
ISBE's FOIA Coordinator:  Amanda Simhauser

If you have questions about filing a FOIA request please call (217) 782-4648.

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.

What are the costs for duplication?



FEE SCHEDULE FOR DUPLICATION OF PUBLIC RECORDS
(Effective January 4, 2010)
Checks are to be made payable to: "Illinois State Board of Education"
Type of Duplication Fee
Paper copy from paper or electronic source, 50 pages or less no charge
Paper copy from paper or electronic source, beyond the initial 50 pages $.15 / page (no charge assessed for less than $7.50)
Diskette or CD-ROM no charge
Copy of audio or video material cost of tape, disk, etc


ISBE Information