D308 Names New Principal of Oswego East High School

Scott Savage has been named principal of Oswego East High School (OEHS) for the 2015-16 school year. The Community Unit School District 308 board of education approved the new hire Monday, March 23.

Savage is currently principal of MacArthur Middle School in Berkeley, IL.

“Mr. Savage comes to the district at the right time, and he is the right candidate to carry OEHS toward the district’s goal of offering its students the best education possible,” Dr. John Sparlin, the district’s assistant superintendent for administrative services, said in a news release.

As principal of OEHS, Savage said his primary priority will be student achievement. Equipped with a diverse and well-rounded background, Savage looks forward to working with staff, parents and students to help OEHS and District 308 achieve world-class status.

“High levels of student achievement will be my goal,” Savage said. “I look forward to connecting with students, parents and staff; and furthermore, working as a team.”

After serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, which included a tour during Desert Storm, Savage began his career in education in 1998 as a social studies teacher at Chicago’s Whitney Young Magnet High School.

In 2000, he worked at Centennial High School in Champaign, Ill., as a social sciences teacher, coordinator and summer school principal. From 2004 to 2006, he served as dean of students at Centennial.

Savage moved to Thornton High School District 205 in 2006, where he eventually became an assistant principal at Thornton High School from 2009 to 2012. Since 2012, Savage has been principal at MacArthur Middle School in Berkeley, Ill.

Savage also worked as a collegiate basketball official from 1994 to 2012.

Superintendent Dr. Matthew Wendt said he is excited to have a person of Savage’s caliber join the district.

“I agree with the students, staff and parents who recommended Mr. Savage as a finalist. We found the right fit for OEHS,” said Wendt. “The district, staff, parents, and most importantly, the students will all benefit from his leadership, and I am so pleased to have him join our team.”

Savage received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and his master’s degree in educational administration from Eastern Illinois University, in Charleston.

He will work with outgoing interim principal Howard Watson to ensure a seamless transition over the coming weeks.

Savage begins work officially with District 308 on July 1 at a total salary of $131,000.