District 308 Approves 'Historic' Diversity Plan

OSWEGO, IL — Oswego School District 308 has recently released a report outlining what it can do as a district to address diversity, equity and inclusion.

The plan was presented to the Board of Education at its April 11 meeting by members of the district’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

It is the first of its kind to be approved by the governing board and is considered a significant accomplishment for the district’s growing and increasingly diverse public school system, according to a news release.

The Community Unit School District 308 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan can be viewed here on the district’s website.

Some of the goals include celebrating diversity observances, community and parent involvement, hiring diverse staff and establishing a student body diversity club.

Board of Education President Matthew Bauman commented the plan helps to create and maintain a culturally inclusive climate in a rapidly growing district.

“Having a plan like this in place for a school district that is growing and becoming more diverse will attend to the cultural needs of all of our students and staff,” said Bauman. “Speaking on behalf of the entire board, I can say that we support this plan. The plan will continue to be measured and monitored moving forward.”

The committee, made up of more than 20 parents, staff, administrators, and community members, was formed last fall and incorporates years of research, work and experience. The document presented to the Board of Education consisted of data, best practices, goals, and the recommendations of the committee. It represents the first step in developing a robust, evolving guide for future diversity and culturally inclusive actions by the district.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Wendt embraced the plan and noted the district’s growing diversity as a “powerful” force.

“For the past several years, School District 308 has been expanding in diversity, both ethnically and culturally, and we are embracing that change,” Dr. Wendt said. “Our district families represent diverse backgrounds and varied cultures, and we believe diversity builds great schools and communities.”

One of the fastest growing school districts in the state, Community Unit School District 308 is the seventh largest of Illinois’ 868 public school districts with an enrollment of over 18,000 students attending 22 schools. The school system encompasses 68.8 square miles and educates students from all of Oswego and portions of Aurora, Joliet, Montgomery, Plainfield, and Yorkville. These municipalities are located in Kendall, Kane, and Will counties.

The district has an estimated population of 75,151 made up of approximately 20,000 family households. Student enrollment has nearly doubled over the last 10 years and District 308 has become one of the most diverse in Illinois. District 308 is currently comprised of approximately 40 percent students of color and more than 80 languages spoken.

“I urge all staff members, parents, and patrons to carefully read the proposed plan available now at the school district’s website,” said Wendt. “This is a great day for the District and a great day for the communities we serve.”