D308 Superintendent John Sparlin To Retire At End Of 2023 School Year

OSWEGO, IL — Oswego School District 308 Superintendent John Sparlin will retire at the end of the current school year, officials announced Tuesday.

The district's top administrator's letter of intent to retire was included on the personnel report passed by the Board of Education at Monday night's meeting.

In response to Sparlin's announcement, Board President LaTonya Simelton said the Board is beginning its process to select the next superintendent, the first step being to find a search firm to assist in the process.

"Students, staff, parents and our extended community will have opportunities to provide input and be involved in the search for our next Superintendent," Simelton's statement reads. "At the January 23rd board meeting we will share details of the avenues of communication available specifically for feedback and input on this very important matter."

Sparlin has been with District 308 for 11 years, serving as associate superintendent and assistant superintendent of administrative services before he became superintendent for the past seven years. The educator began his career in 1993 as a junior high teacher and coach, later becoming a high school teacher and coach. His first administrative role was as dean of students at Glenbard South High School.

"I feel very fortunate to have served in a community where people come together to celebrate, as well as a place where people come together to embrace and to lift each other up when needed," Sparlin said in a statement. "I have always said if we all do a little, it adds up to a lot."

When asked by district officials what he's most proud of during his time with the Oswego district, he said it's the accomplishments of students and staff.

"We have an incredible number of students who receive the highest honors available to Illinois students every year," Sparlin said. "Our schools are filled with alumni who have come back to our community to teach and work in the schools they attended as kids, and we have a staff that goes above and beyond each and every day to ensure that all of our kids are cared for, educated, and feel loved."

Once retired, Sparlin said he plans to continue working in education in some capacity but in a role that will allow him to spend more time with his family.

"Leading a district with 23 schools serving over 17,000 students is oftentimes a 24/7 commitment, one which I have sincerely enjoyed for many years," he said. "Working in 308 for the past eleven years and serving as your Superintendent for the past seven years has been the greatest honor of my career."