Oswego Superintendent Talks Budget with Local Leaders

Submitted by Oswego School District 308

OSWEGO, IL — Community Unit School District 308 and other local districts are faced with a host of challenges when it comes to serving their students in a struggling state and national economy.

The state of Illinois frequently mandates certain programs and fails to provide the funding for districts to follow through on those mandates. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Wendt recently met with Senator Linda Holmes, State Representatives Linda Chapa LaVia and Stephanie Kifowit, along with several other local superintendents to discuss these budget challenges facing local school districts.

“For the past five years, Illinois has underfunded the public education system. Our school district, along with several others, has paid a price,” Dr. Wendt said. “It is time we see real solutions to these problems. We have been underfunded in District 308 by more than $16 million since 2010. It is time we see an end to this trend.”

The elected officials and superintendents met to begin dialogue on finding solutions to other issues facing school districts. Additional meetings are planned around various topics in the near future.

“I really appreciate our state elected officials for their service and the time they dedicate to improving education in Illinois,” said Dr. Wendt. “The collaboration School District 308 has today with local superintendents and state officials is exceptional. It is rewarding to work with such great people.”