It is hard to believe that summer is coming to an end.  With every end comes a new beginning. On behalf of our Board of Education, teachers, administrators, and staff, welcome! We are so grateful for your interest in Oswego Community Unit School District 308.

After the past few years of unprecedented challenges, I am hopeful that this year will more closely resemble those prior to the pandemic. Classrooms filled with eager learners, performances, sporting contests, and all the great things that contribute to the school experience will soon be here. 

SD 308 is the seventh largest public school system in our state, with an enrollment of more than 17,000 students in 23 schools, serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and offering alternative education programs and a transition center for students up to age 22. District 308 covers 68.8 square miles in Northern Illinois, and serves all of Oswego, as well as portions of Aurora, Joliet, Montgomery, Plainfield, and Yorkville. We remain the largest employer in Kendall County, with a total staff of over 2,400 individuals.

In District 308, one of our core beliefs is that all students can and will learn at high levels when presented with the right opportunities. Our goal is to provide each student with a comprehensive educational experience that best prepares them for their future. The attention we provide to individualized learning and support for the whole child sets us apart. Our district is on a journey towards equity, acknowledging that not all students come to us with the same past experiences. We are empowering students to share their voices, providing them with engaging experiences, and giving them access to the tools and resources they need to achieve their own goals and aspirations.

Beyond K-12 schooling, we offer an extensive early childhood program for families to help get young children on the right path long before they start school. Our academic programs challenge our gifted learners, and we offer a variety of college classes to our high school students, giving them a head start in their continued education. Students can engage in a variety of vocational and career programs, challenge their critical thinking through programs such as robotics, and grow their talents in the fine arts and music through a myriad of courses and extracurricular offerings. 

Leading a large, comprehensive educational system is a complex endeavor. Our district’s strategic plan, Envision 308, serves as our roadmap, ensuring our work, time, and resources are allocated equitably. It outlines overall priorities and individual tasks within four areas that include Student Learning, Support for Student Learning, Finance and Facilities, and Community Partnerships. The plan continues through 2026, with specific measures for success along the way. You can find more information about Envision 308 here. 

I appreciate and acknowledge the critical role that the Board of Education as well as our families play in making our district the best it can be. Working together, I am certain we will achieve our mission to educate all students to reach their highest potential.

Please feel free to contact me at superintendent@sd308.org if you have any questions about the district.

Sincerely,

Dr. John W. Sparlin

Superintendent of Schools