New Superintendent Plans to Save District 308 More Than $1M

Oswego, IL — Community Unit School District 308 Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Sparlin has implemented a plan to save the district more than $1 million over the next four years through reorganization and by not filling vacant positions, according to a news release from the district.

In his first few days as District 308’s new superintendent of schools, Sparlin has decided not to fill an assistant superintendent position and to reorganize job responsibilities. This move, along with other cost-saving staffing moves, will save the district approximately $260,000 per year over the next four years.

The duties of the eliminated assistant superintendent position will now be shared among Sparlin, the associate superintendent and the assistant superintendent for business services and operations.

Reorganization of the District Administration office and top-level administrators means four administrators will now report directly to Sparlin.

“By not filling positions and cutting costs, I am trying to lead by example by implementing changes within my own office and department,” Sparlin said in the release. “Reorganization and sharing of administrative duties will allow us to continue to provide quality education for all district students, while helping to reduce the budget deficit during these tough economic times that require significant belt tightening. Cutting costs without negatively affecting teachers, staff, students or programs is a priority.”

In addition, due to the retirement of a top administrative assistant, the position of secretary to the superintendent of schools has been combined to serve both the superintendent’s office and the District 308 Board of Education.