• Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests

    The Freedom of Information Act is the principle Illinois law governing the inspection of public records. Originally enacted in 1984, it is based on the principle that the public should be able to access public records and information about the workings of their government. The principle mandate of the Act states that "each public body shall make available to any person for inspection and copying all public records."

    The Freedom of Information Act, however, does recognize that in order to enable public bodies to perform certain governmental functions properly, and in order to protect personal privacy, some records and information may need to be kept confidential. Examples of documents that are not considered open to the public include individual student records, materials that could compromise security if released, documents related to ongoing labor negotiations, some records related to litigation or other legal procedures, and others.

    In Illinois, our most important transparency laws - the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA)- endeavor to open the workings of government to the public, shed light on government actions and, in the process, strengthen our democracy.

    How do I submit a FOIA request?

    Requests for information must be made in writing. The written request should include the requestor's name, address, the date, and a daytime phone number so that the district can contact the requestor if they have any questions. Please provide as much information as possible on the subject matter in order to help expedite the search process. When completed, the request should be submitted to the district's FOIA Officer.

    The Sherrard School District has appointed Alan Boucher, Superintendent of Schools and Becky Breiby, Administrative Secretary to serve as the district's FOIA Officers.  Following is contact information for both of them.

    Alan Boucher, Superintendent
    FOIA Officer
    Sherrard Unit Office
    507 3rdStreet, P. O. Box 369 
    Sherrard, IL  61281
    Phone: 309-593-4075
    Fax: 309-593-4078
    E-mail:bouchera@sherrard.us

    Becky Breiby, Administrative Secretary
    FOIA Officer
    Sherrard Unit Office
    507 3rdStreet, P. O. Box 369
    Sherrard, IL  61281
    Phone: 309-593-4075
    Fax: 309-593-4078
    E-mail:breibyb@sherrard.us