NL D122 Superintendent To Retire In 2027, Board Seeks Input Ahead Of Search For Replacement

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox District 122 Superintendent Dr. Lori Motsch will retire at the end of the next school year, the District announced on Monday. Motsch has served in the role since 2020, when she was selected to replace former Superintendent Peggy Manville.

"Serving the New Lenox school community has been an incredible honor," Motsch said in a statement to Patch. "I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to work with such remarkable staff, students, and families."

The Board of Education on Monday said that prior to beginning the search for Motsch's replacement, it is seeking input from the community via an online survey. The results will be tallied and used by the board and screening team to develop a brochure to advertise the position.

"The selection of a new superintendent is probably the most important decision a board of education has to make; therefore, the Board has hired the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) to assist in this process," the board said in a letter to the district community.

Motsch began her career in District 122 in 1995, as a teacher at Schmuhl School. She worked in the district as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director of personnel. Dr. Motsch earned a bachelor of science in education from Illinois State University.

She also obtained a master's degree in education for curriculum and instruction from the University of St. Francis. Shortly after completing the master's program, she attained the State of Illinois Type 75 administrative certification. In 2016, she completed the doctor of education in educational leadership and received her State of Illinois superintendent’s credential.

As they prepare to search for her replacement, district officials request that all staff, parents and community members complete the survey from IASB. It can be accessed at: surveymonkey.com/r/S3T3YCY

All responses and comments will remain anonymous.

The response deadline is 11:45 p.m. March 26.