NL D122 Board Member Resigns; District Accepting Applications For Spot

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox District 122 finds itself with a seat to fill, after the resignation of a Board of Education member during a meeting earlier this month.

Kris O'Connor, who won his seat on the board in 2021, announced his resignation from the board, effective Wednesday, according to the district.

In a letter read by Superintendent Dr. Lori Motsch, member O'Connor expressed that it was with both sadness and excitement that he tendered his resignation, citing a new professional opportunity that he simply could not pass up, Superintendent Dr. Lori Motsch wrote to Patch.

"The new position requires him to travel causing him to miss multiple board meetings," Motsch said O'Connor wrote in his letter. " In his letter, he stated that the memories and relationships formed will forever hold a special place in his heart. The remaining board members individually thanked Member O'Connor for his service and wished him well."

New Lenox School District 122 is accepting resumes and/or letter of interests to fill the vacancy on the board. The term will be from the date of appointment until the April 1, 2025 election.

The mission of the New Lenox Schools, in partnership with the community, will be to promote
academic excellence, which focuses on the growth of the whole child. We will stimulate children
to develop pride in themselves, community, and country, which will be reflected in their present
and future decision, the district said in a notice about the opening.

Applicants for the Board vacancy must:

• Be a United States Citizen
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a resident of Illinois and the District for at least one year immediately preceding the
• appointment.
• Be a registered voter.
• Not be a child sex offender.
• Not hold another incompatible public office.
• Not have prohibited interest in any contract with the District.
• Not hold certain types of prohibited State or Federal employment.

Applicants should show familiarity with the Board’s policies regarding general duties and
responsibilities, conflict of interest, ethics and gift ban. The Board’s policies are located at
www.nlsd122.org.As part of the application process, applicants should submit a resume and/or a letter of interest. In
addition, each applicant must answer the following 3 questions to be considered:

1. What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing New Lenox School District 122?
2. What do you consider the District’s greatest strengths?
3. What areas in the District need improvement?

All resumes/letters of interest and questions must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 at
4 p.m. The application materials should be emailed to boe@nlsd122.org, mailed
to President Rhonda Starklauf, New Lenox School District, BOE Application, 102 S. Cedar Road,
New Lenox, IL, or dropped off at the Haven Administration Center at 102 S. Cedar Road.