FOIA

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act is designed to ensure that Illinois residents can obtain information about their government. As a public institution, District 34 will readily meet its obligation to provide community members with accurate information.

What is FOIA?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state statute that provides the public the right to access government documents and records. The premise behind FOIA is that the public has a right to know what the government is doing. The law provides that a person can ask a public body for a copy of its records on a specific subject and the public body must provide those records, unless there is an exemption in the statute that protects those records from disclosure (for example: records containing information concerning trade secrets or personal privacy).

Who Can File a FOIA Request?

Anyone. Any person, group, association, corporation, firm, partnership or organization has the right to file a FOIA request to any state or local public body, including any city, township or county office.

How Do I Submit a FOIA Request?

FOIA requests should be submitted in writing. The request can be sent via email, US mail, or hand delivered. A list of District 34 FOIA officers can be found in the side bar on the right. We have also included a copy of the District 34 FOIA Request Form here for your convenience.