New Lenox Parent Challenges Busing Fee, Cites Safety Concerns and Budget Surplus

Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | August 2025

Article Summary: A New Lenox parent addressed the School District 122 board to protest a $350 busing fee, arguing the 0.8-mile walking distance to his child’s school is unsafe and calling the fee “discriminatory” in light of the district’s budget surplus.

Public Comment on Busing Key Points:

• Resident Mark Panici asked the board to reconsider the $350 fee for families living within 1.5 miles of school.

• He cited safety concerns with a 6-year-old walking along and crossing Nelson Road.

• Panici questioned the fee while noting the district’s reported $4.2 million surplus.

A New Lenox parent and resident urged the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, to reconsider a $350 fee for bus service, citing safety risks for young children walking to school.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Mark Panici stated that he and his family live 0.8 miles from his 6-year-old’s school, a distance he feels is too far and too dangerous for a child to walk. “He added it would be unsafe for anyone to walk down Nelson Road to school,” according to the meeting minutes.

Mr. Panici requested that the board reconsider the fee for residents of the Palmer Ranch neighborhood due to the specific safety concerns related to crossing and walking along Nelson Road.

He described the fee as “very discriminatory,” noting that he pays the same property taxes as families who receive free busing because they live farther from school. Mr. Panici also questioned the necessity of the charge, pointing to the district’s reported $4.2 million budget surplus and his own significant property tax contribution of $5,400.

“Mr. Panici stated he feels he is being double charged because the District gets reimbursed for busing, plus get his additional $350 fee,” the minutes recorded. He asked the board to identify where the fee is accounted for in the budget.

The board listened to his comments but, as per board policy, did not engage in a discussion or take action on the matter during the public comment section of the meeting.