Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140) provides the public with access to government records and information. As a public school district, Hillsboro Community School District No. 3 is committed to transparency and providing access to public records as required by Illinois law. Under FOIA, any person may request access to existing public records maintained by the District, except for records specifically exempt from disclosure under state or federal law.
- Hillsboro Community Unit School District No. 3 is a public school district located in Hillsboro, Illinois, serving students from Pre-K through Grade 12. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience through academic programs, student services, technology integration, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities. With a focus on student achievement, community partnerships, and preparing students for the future, Hillsboro CUSD #3 is committed to helping every student reach their full potential.
- Functional Subdivision
- Hillsboro Community Unit School District No. 3 operates with an annual budget of approximately $32 million. The district’s budget supports educational programming, staffing, technology, transportation, building operations, student services, and extracurricular activities for students in Pre-K through Grade 12.
- Hillsboro Community Unit School District No. 3 operates one central Unit Office located at 1311 Vandalia Road in Hillsboro, Illinois. The Unit Office houses approximately eight major administrative functions: Superintendent, Administrative Services, Curriculum & Grants, Human Resources, Business/Finance, Technology, Maintenance, Food Service, and Transportation. These offices provide the operational support necessary for the district’s four schools and Pre-K–12 educational programs.
- Hillsboro Community Unit School District No. 3 employs approximately 300 full-time equivalent employees supporting nearly 1,700 students from Pre-K through Grade 12. The district workforce includes teachers, administrators, instructional assistants, office staff, transportation employees, maintenance personnel, technology staff, and other support employees who provide educational and operational services throughout the district.
- The Hillsboro Community Unit School District No. 3 Board of Education is the governing body responsible for overseeing district operations, establishing policies, approving financial plans, and ensuring accountability for educational programs and services. The Superintendent reports to the Board and is responsible for implementing Board policies and managing daily district operations.
Freedom of Information Officer
FOIA requests should be directed to the District's Freedom of Information Officer:
Hillsboro Community School District No. 3
1311 Vandalia Road
Hillsboro, IL 62049
FOIA Officer: Hope McBrain
Phone: 217-532-2942
Email: hmcbrain@hillsboroschools.net
Submitting a FOIA Request
Requests for public records should be submitted in writing and should describe the records being requested as specifically as possible. Requests may be submitted by:
- Email to hmcbrain@hillsboroschools.net
- U.S. Mail 1311 Vandalia Road, Hillsboro, IL 62049
- Hand Delivery 1311 Vandalia Road, Hillsboro, IL 62049
The District encourages requestors to provide contact information so responses may be provided promptly.
Response Time
The District will respond to FOIA requests within the timeframes established by Illinois law. Generally, a public body must respond to a request within five (5) business days after receipt, although extensions may be permitted under certain circumstances.
Available Public Records
The District maintains a variety of public records, including but not limited to:
- Board of Education agendas and minutes
- District budgets and annual financial reports
- Administrative procedures and Board policies
- Employee compensation information as required by law
- Contracts and agreements
- Organizational information regarding the District
Records Exempt from Disclosure
Certain records are exempt from disclosure under FOIA and other applicable laws. Examples may include:
- Student records protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Personnel records exempt under Illinois law
- Records related to litigation
- Security and safety plans
- Information protected by privacy laws
The District will review all requests and provide access to records as permitted by law.
Fees
Copies of records may be subject to fees as permitted by Illinois law. Electronic records, when available, may be provided electronically. Fee information will be provided if applicable before records are released.
Additional Information
For more information regarding the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, visit the Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor website:
Illinois Attorney General FOIA Information