Invoices obtained from District 95’s attorneys show that the total cost of defending against a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit exceeded $152,000, according to information released on June 1.
The expenses included $71,874 paid by the school district’s insurance company to defend against the lawsuit for a copy of a federal subpoena. The district also paid its attorney $5,332 to deny the original FOIA request and paid $75,000 through a settlement agreement to cover the plaintiff’s legal fees. These combined costs totaled more than $152,000 for access to one document.
The organization involved in pursuing the records said, “We urge local governments to pay attention to the Freedom of Information Act and weigh the costs of noncompliance.” It added, “We agree the costs are uncalled for, so was having to go through the courts to obtain public records, especially when the district was made aware of similar FOIA cases where subpoenas were determined to be subject to disclosure under FOIA, but they still withheld the document.”
According to information provided by Edgar County Watchdogs’ official website, Edgar County Watchdogs relies on support from small individual donations and promotes informed communities by enhancing oversight of local governing entities through accessible public information. The group features members affiliated with organizations like Investigative Reporters and Editors and Society of Professional Journalists. Its mission is fostering accountability, truth and transparency in local governance through document-based journalism. Notable figures such as John Kraft and Kirk Allen serve as editors and researchers. Edgar County Watchdogs delivers reporting on issues across Illinois, according to the official website.
The issue originated in mid-2023 under District 95’s previous administration.
