Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox School District 122 Board for December 16, 2025
New Lenox School District 122 Board Meeting | December 16, 2025
The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education met on Tuesday evening at Liberty Jr. High. In addition to awarding major construction contracts and honoring students, the board handled routine financial business and received updates on district events and attendance. All board members were present except for Bill Pender.
News Briefs:
Girls Basketball State Run:
Superintendent Dr. Lori Motsch highlighted the success of the Martino Jr. High 7th grade girls basketball team. The team advanced to the first round of the state tournament, losing in overtime to the team that eventually took second place. Board Member Al Haring called the game “one of the greatest comebacks” he had ever seen, praising the team’s resilience.
High Turnout for Conferences:
The district reported strong participation in recent Parent Teacher Conferences. Attendance data showed roughly 80 percent in-person and 20 percent virtual participation for grades 1 through 6. Junior high participation was approximately 70 percent in-person and 30 percent virtual.
Strategic Meeting Set:
The board reached a consensus to schedule their upcoming Strategic Board Meeting for Monday, February 2, at 5:00 p.m. This meeting is expected to cover long-term planning, including the proposed HVAC preventative maintenance program.
FOIA Requests:
Dr. Motsch reported that the district received nine Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests over the last month. According to the board packet, these requests included inquiries regarding legal invoices, settlement agreements, and investigation materials related to misconduct. The board took no specific action on the requests other than noting the report.
Triple I Conference Recap:
Board members reflected on their attendance at the recent “Triple I” conference in Chicago. President Stephanie Peltzer and Dr. Motsch were recognized by fellow board member Megan Wendtland for speaking on a panel at the event. President Peltzer noted the conference is valuable for networking with other boards across the state to learn how they operate.
Latest News Stories
Chicago tax proposals draw concern over legality, ‘economic death spiral’
Illinois quick hits: Former governor proposes millionaire’s surcharge; digital state ID launched
U.S. Senate passes bill to release Epstein files, heads to Trump’s desk
Louisiana Rep. Clay Higgins defends Epstein ‘no’ vote
Abbott designates Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations
Judge blocks feds from freezing California education funding
Texas appealing El Paso court ruling against new congressional maps
Elections board drops campaign finance fines against IL Senate President
Senate gears up for Epstein vote
Illinois corrections officials say they are on schedule for prison mail scan rule
Asset managers retreat from ESG push, report finds
U.S. House passes bill to release Epstein files, moves to Senate