Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox School District 122 for January 20, 2026

New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | January 20, 2026

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education advanced several routine but critical operational items during its January 20, 2026, regular meeting. Beyond passing the 2026-2027 fee schedule, initiating the tentative budget process, and approving the Liberty Junior High Ten-Year Safety Survey, the Board heard updates on pending state legislation, community partnerships, and upcoming contract renewals. All items on the consent agenda were passed unanimously, setting up a busy spring bidding and financial forecasting season for the administration.

Overnight Field Trip Approved with Abstention:
The Board voted 5-0 to approve a 200-mile/overnight field trip for the 2026-2027 school year, specifically the annual Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils (IAJHSC) State Convention in Springfield. Board member Al Haring abstained from the vote after clarifying that parents are entirely responsible for the costs of the Student Council trip. Superintendent Dr. Lori R. Motsch confirmed that the District does not provide transportation or lodging for the event. Motsch also noted that an annual 8th-grade trip to Washington D.C. is a privately sponsored event and does not require Board approval.

Board Representatives Provide Legislative and Regional Updates:
During the governance report, Board member Bill Pender updated the Board on activities within the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB). Pender noted that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has recently recommended the K-12 budget for Fiscal Year 2027, and that March 24 will serve as IASB Advocacy Day in Springfield. Superintendent Motsch added that the district is closely monitoring a state bill regarding short-term license approvals, which could help alleviate ongoing teacher shortages. Additionally, Board member Al Haring announced that the next Three Rivers Division meeting will be held on April 7 at Chelsea School in Frankfort, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence in school boards.

FOIA Requests Logged:
The administration reported three Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests submitted between December 17, 2025, and January 20, 2026. The requests included an inquiry from UnionBids.com seeking bid results and tabulations for 2026 Capital Improvements (ICI Project Number 1358). Additionally, Woo Park of the Data Branch Research Team submitted two requests seeking confirmation and contracts regarding any IT Service Management (ITSM) and fleet management software utilized by the district.

Community Collaboration Highlighted:
During the New Business portion of the meeting, Board member Megan Wendtland shared an update from her attendance at a local Park District Citizen Task Force meeting. Wendtland reported that the meeting provided an excellent networking opportunity and a preview of upcoming community developments designed to benefit local youth and families, including a planned dog park and a community pool. She noted the positive feedback regarding the school district’s strong partnership with the Park District.