New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | October 21, 2025

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education held a public hearing and subsequently approved the issuance of up to $8 million in life safety bonds during its meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The bonds will fund a major HVAC renovation at Tyler Elementary School. The board also adopted a tentative 2025 property tax levy, which projects an approximate 3.4% tax bill increase for an average homeowner and is now set for a public hearing in November.

In other major business, the board accepted its “clean” annual financial audit for fiscal year 2025, approved a 20-year community solar agreement expected to save over $60,000 annually, and renewed its employee benefit plans, which include an 8.1% increase in medical insurance premiums for 2026. For more detailed information on these topics, please refer to the full standalone articles.

News Briefs

Employee Health Insurance Rates to Rise 8.1% in 2026:
The board approved the 2026 employee benefit plan renewal, which includes an 8.1% increase in total medical insurance rates through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Business Manager Robert Groos noted the increase was negotiated down from an initial proposal of 21.8%. The renewal also includes a 6% increase in dental administration fees and a 2% increase for vision insurance. The plans, which were vetted by a district-wide insurance committee, will become effective January 1, 2026.

Art Teacher and Student Receive Statewide Honors:
The board recognized art teacher Tammy Kordik, who has been named the Elementary Art Educator of the Year by the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA). Dr. Marianne Cucci noted Mrs. Kordik was one of the district’s first art teachers. Additionally, Kordik’s 4th-grade student, Solange Baron, was honored for having her artwork chosen for the 2025-2026 IAEA Statewide Student Art Show. Her piece will travel across Illinois for a year-long exhibit.

District Improvement Plan Adopted:
The board adopted the 2025-2026 District Improvement Plan. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marianne Cucci presented the plan, which outlines goals related to student achievement, budget and facilities, and parent/community engagement. Dr. Cucci asked the board to adopt the goals as its own to ensure a unified commitment to student success.

Martino Runners Medal at State Cross Country Meet:
Superintendent Dr. Lori Motsch congratulated two runners from Martino Junior High’s Cross Country team for placing and earning medals at the state meet. The students will be formally honored at the November board meeting.

Senior Breakfast Connects with Community:
Dr. Motsch announced that the district’s Senior Breakfast will be held on October 22 at Martino Jr. High, with 93 people signed up to attend. She noted that the event is a great way for the district to connect with the senior members of the New Lenox community.