Oswego School District 308 Hosts Community Meetings for Future Planning

Oswego School District 308 is inviting community members to participate in a series of meetings aimed at shaping the district’s future. These gatherings are part of an initiative to develop a master facility plan that addresses both current and future needs for educational facilities. The meetings, which commenced in September, will continue throughout October.

A community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on October 22, 2023, at Thompson Junior High School, located at 440 Boulder Hill Pass, Oswego. Additionally, a virtual meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on October 27, 2023. The architecture and engineering firm, Wight & Company, will facilitate these sessions.

The district’s school board approved a contract worth $380,000 with Wight & Company last October to create this master facility plan. The firm specializes in designing educational environments from early childhood through 12th grade, focusing on sustainable and healthy learning spaces. During a meeting on September 10, 2023, Stuart Brodsky, a principal at Wight & Company, emphasized the importance of creating environments that support student comfort and success.

As part of the planning process, Wight & Company is assessing each of the district’s buildings. This includes examining the condition of structural elements such as walls, roofs, windows, and mechanical systems. Brodsky highlighted that educational alignment is another critical factor being evaluated. This concept involves aligning physical learning environments with the district’s strategic goals.

To enhance educational alignment, the master facility plan includes several recommendations for improvements at specific schools. Proposed updates consist of modernizing administrative spaces at Murphy Junior High, upgrading science labs at Oswego High School, and expanding student parking at Oswego East High School. Notably, 80 percent of the district’s buildings were constructed between 1995 and 2010. According to Wight & Company, while the district has diligently maintained its facilities, no building is currently in critical condition.

Community feedback is essential for this planning initiative, as it will help ensure that the facilities meet the needs of students and staff alike. For additional details about the long-range facility plan, community members can visit the district’s website at sd308.org. This involvement reflects the district’s commitment to creating educational environments that foster learning and growth.