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
Judge: SCOTUS ruling doesn’t necessarily end block on Trump DEI orders
Illinois quick hits: Man charged with threatening Trump; judge grants injunction in shelter funding case
WATCH: IL GOP Rep: Sanctuary expansion bill may expose many to civil lawsuits
WATCH: Family, friends remember Bailey family at celebration of life
WATCH: Amid criticism, Pritzker defends using expletive to tell Trump where to go
New Lenox Fire District to Hire EMTs to Combat Paramedic Shortage
Election integrity advocates urge reform after Illinois scores low in global survey
WATCH: Pritzker’s rhetoric criticized; tax amnesty program; status of Guard lawsuit
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker uses expletive with teachers union; Paprocki reacts to assisted suicide bill
New Lenox D122 Board Approves $74.1M Budget for 2025-26 School Year
New Lenox Park District Advances $1.5 Million Bond Plan for Playground Overhauls and Future Projects
Appeals court: IT firm can’t make insurer foot bill for $28M face scan deal