Interviews pending with Oswego SD308 superintendent applicants. But what do parents, students and residents want? – Shaw Local

The new Oswego SD308 Superintendent must be a visible and hands-on leader who respects the unique needs of all students.

Based in Oak Park, School Exec Connect created a profile detailing what a new superintendent should possess based on input provided through staff and community forums, as well as an online survey. is created. The Oswego School Board adopted School Exec Connect after Superintendent John Spurlin announced he would be retiring at the end of June with one year left on his contract.

“In general, the Oswego School District seems to prioritize inclusion, diversity and a balanced education for its students.”

— School Exec Connect Associate Devon Horton

Spurlin joined the district in 2012 as the Executive Director for Government Services and was promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Government Services in 2013. Matthew He was promoted to superintendent in 2016 following Mr. Wendt’s retirement.

Profiles are posted on the district’s website (sd308.org). According to the profile, the new superintendent must be “passionately embracing the district’s current traditions and values, yet open-minded, resourceful, and responsive to the diverse and changing needs of students and families.” It is said that it will not be done.

The board and consultants will use this profile when selecting and interviewing candidates. This report may also be used to develop interview questions for candidates.

Ninety people participated in the focus group and received 1,129 responses to the online survey. His 90 are made up of board members, district administrators, district officials, students, community members, and parents.

Of those who responded to the survey, 707 were parents, 284 were staff, 185 were students, and 74 were community/business owners. PROFILE Reading his report, School Exec Connect Associate Devon Houghton discusses the district’s strengths.

“In general, the Oswego School District seems to prioritize inclusion, diversity and balanced education for its students,” Horton said. “The community is actively involved, and strong ties between home and school foster a positive environment for learning. Evident through regular communication with work and family: emphasis is placed on meeting the needs of all students (including special education support), fostering a growth mindset, and creating a welcoming and supportive environment. .”

Houghton is the Superintendent of Evanston/Skoky School District 65.

But school districts face similar challenges, including community engagement, financial stability, diversity and inclusion, professional support, mental health resources, research and curriculum development, mentorship programs, and communication strategies, the report said. Says.

“Additionally, there are issues around staffing, student behavior and preventing burnout that may require more immediate action,” the report said. “Addressing these challenges is critical to the growth and success of Oswego’s future students and the growth of the Oswego district as a whole.”

In his first year in office, the new superintendent will prioritize financial stability, build a culture of empathy and inclusion, strengthen diversity efforts, prioritize student well-being and mental health support, and improve staffing, according to the report. We need to focus on issues such as tackling problems. This includes hiring and retaining diverse administrative, educational and support staff, and improving transitions between primary, secondary and high school education.

Kevin O’Mara, president of School Exec Connect, told the board that there were 26 applicants for the job as of Monday. The company plans to submit five to seven semi-finalists to its board of directors on May 22 at a closed-door meeting.

“Then I propose that the board decide on a schedule during the week of May 29th to interview five to seven candidates over two to three days,” O’Mara said. “And maybe she’d like to interview the week of June 5th. He’d like to interview the three finalists. We’ll do it over three days so she can spend her day with each of the three finalists.” It is recommended.”

The Board will interview semi-finalists on May 30, 31 and June 1, followed by finalists on June 5, 6 and 7. Other groups such as community members, parents, students and staff will also interview the finalists. Along with all the officers.

The new superintendent will take office on July 1.