8 Contend For 3 Seats On New Lenox District 122 Board: Election 2023

NEW LENOX, IL — Eight candidates will face off for three spots on the New Lenox District 122 Board of Education. With only one incumbent among them, some new faces will take seats on the board.

Incumbent William Pender seeks to retain his spot. Newcomers Nicole DeGrave, Stephanie Peltzer, Samantha Jean Gasca, Adelheid Connolly, Jeanine Kozlowski, Ignacio Rojas Jr. and Mary E. Lambert join him on the ballot. A ninth candidate, Tyler Sturm, withdrew from the running.

William Pender

Pender is a husband and father to three daughters. He has served on the board for the past eight years. The first four years he served as board president, according to his campaign's social media. He is currently the superintendent/principal of Lisbon CCSD 90, a K-9 school district. He holds a bachelor's degree in social science with a minor in education, along with an endorsement to teach math. He holds two master's degrees, one in Educational Administration and an MBA in Human Resources. He also holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Pender is endorsed by the New Lenox School District Teachers Union.

Nicole DeGrave

DeGrave is a mother of three, and a military wife. She has been on the New Lenox District 122 PTO for 6 years and currently serves as president. She's a committee member of Witches Night Out, an annual costume fundraiser for women and children in need in Will County. DeGrave is endorsed by the New Lenox School District Teachers Union.

Stephanie Peltzer

Peltzer is mother to three children who attend District 122 schools. She notes the impact of the COVID-19 on students and teachers, and the learning gap that's been created. She believes teachers need more training and support to offset the effects. Peltzer supports higher salaries for District 122 teachers. Peltzer also hopes to modernize District 122 buildings and facilities. Also endorsed by the New Lenox School District Teachers Union.

Samantha Jean Gasca

A child advocate, survivor of childhood sexual, physical, mental, and emotional abuse. A pastoral counselor who works with children and adults who’ve been through similar traumas. New Lenox native, graduate of District 122 and Lincoln-Way Central High School. Gasca holds a bachelor’s degree of Science from Illinois State University, double majoring in Agriculture and Food Industry Science. She also holds a master's degree from Illinois State University in agriculture, with a focus in animal science and a concentration in swine nutrition and behavior. Small business owner. Read more about Gasca.

Adelheid "Heidi" Connolly

Connolly is a law enforcement officer by profession. She believes she needs to be a representative of the public during policy making, taking into advisement state guidance, as well. Connolly decided to run for the board after observing the district's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and mask requirements. Her candidacy is also inspired by legislation surrounding progressive sex education. She's a former Mokena resident. She's endorsed by Moms For America Action and Awake Lincoln-Way.

Jeanine Kozlowski

A mother to a special needs boy, she says he inspired her to run for a seat on the board. He is nonverbal, relies on a wheelchair and needs consistent staff care during his days at Spencer Trail. Kozlowski said she hopes to bring more attention to the special needs program in the district. She believes more attention needs to be paid for special needs children. She hopes to improve communication between parents and the schools. She hopes to bring her insight to the board.

Mary Lambert

Lambert is a wife of 49 years, mother to two children. Lambert holds a bachelor's degree in nursing, and is a registered nurse of 30 years, and a certified case manager and legal nurse consultant. As a mother whose children attended District 122 schools, Lambert has been very involved with the district. Lambert believes parents need more of a voice in curriculum and other district decisions. If elected, she hopes to advocate for parents at the board level.

Ignacio Rojas, Jr.

Rojas is a first-time candidate, veteran U.S. Marine, and current physical education teacher at Community Consolidated School District 146 in Tinley Park. He has been teaching for 6 years. He teaches both traditional and adaptive PE, and also has special education experience. He and his wife are foster parents, and have taken in 12 children over the last 8 years in New Lenox. Rojas hopes to advocate for the needs of children. He has two children, one who currently attends District 122 schools and one who will in the future.

Candidates were offered a chance to complete a Patch candidate questionnaire, with a profile created for those who did. Two responded; one declined to participate after receiving the form.

New Lenox Community Television conducted a candidates' forum.

The New Lenox District 122 Board of Education is a seven-member, elected body tasked with formulating general district policies, employing and advising the superintendent, employing personnel, making specific school decisions, and orienting new members. The board convenes every month in open, public meetings to discuss school and district business and hear citizens' concerns.

Each board member is elected to a four-year term, for which he or she is not compensated. Board members must reside within the New Lenox School District 122 boundaries.