Former OHS Administrator Named Interim Principal at Oswego East

Photo: Craig Watson.

Submitted by Oswego School District 308:

A District 308 administrative veteran will provide leadership as interim principal for Oswego East High School (OEHS) during a time of transition.

The Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education on Monday approved the hire of former Oswego High School (OHS) Assistant Principal Craig Watson for the position. Watson will lead OEHS this semester, as the district conducts a search to hire someone permanently for the position.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Wendt spoke of the importance of having someone with Watson’s background in the position.

“Craig Watson served this district with distinction,” Wendt said. “Although he deserved a rewarding retirement, I did not want to lose him as one of our most respected school leaders. I could not be happier with his interest in serving again. OEHS is an outstanding school, and it will be served well with an outstanding interim principal.”

School District 308 will open the position next month with the intent of naming a new principal by March or April for the 2015-16 school year. Watson follows Dr. Todd Martens, who recently resigned from the position for personal reasons.

Read: Oswego East Principal Steps Down

“We are very pleased to bring someone into the position who has as much experience and familiarity with School District 308 as Mr. Watson,” Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services Dr. John Sparlin said. “He did an exemplary job for us in the past, and we have no doubt that he will help the Oswego East community with a smooth transition until we find a permanent replacement.”

Watson worked as assistant principal at OHS from August 2006 until June 2013. As assistant principal he worked to recruit staff, observe teaching methods, and direct and coordinate school maintenance services, among other duties and responsibilities.

He served as athletic director at OHS from 1994 until 2006. Before that, he worked as an English teacher from 1992 until 1994.

Watson attended Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, Ill., as well as Illinois State University in Normal. After 18 months of retirement, Watson decided he was not completely done with education.

“I realized how much I missed the comradery,” Watson said. “I think Oswego East is a terrific high school, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to go in and provide some leadership.”