Dr. John Sparlin, Oswego Community School District 308

A new superintendent has been named for Oswego Community School District 308 and this time, many might already recognize his face.

Dr. John Sparlin, who currently works as associate superintendent for administrative services, will begin his new position as superintendent on July 1, 2016.

Sparlin will replace current Superintendent Dr. Matthew Wendt, who is leaving School District 308 to become superintendent of the public schools in Fayetteville, Ark. beginning July 1.

Sparlin joined the district in 2012 as executive director for administrative services and steadily rose the ranks. In 2013, he was promoted to assistant superintendent for administrative services, where he oversaw the human resources, student services, food service, operations, technology and transportation departments.

He continued climbing the ladder and was later promoted to his current position, overseeing the daily operations of the district as associate superintendent for administrative services. In this role, he also continues to supervise the departments of human resources, student services and communications, and both the assistant superintendent for business services and Operations and the assistant superintendent for teaching and learning report to him.

“Due to his experience at 308, the board is confident that Dr. Sparlin is the right person to take our district to the next level and ensure it continues moving in the direction set by the board,” said Board of Education President Matt Bauman.  “I am pleased we are able to promote one of our own talents to fill the district’s top position. I know that Dr. Sparlin will serve School District 308 well as its Superintendent of Schools.”

The proposed contract for Dr. Sparlin has been posted on the district website and is pending the Board of Education’s approval at its meeting on Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at Oswego East High School.

According to a release issued by the district, Sparlin is excited about the promotion.

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead and serve School District 308 as the next Superintendent,” Sparlin said. “If you asked me four years ago where I would see myself five years down the road, I would’ve said exactly where I am today. I couldn’t be any more pleased to have been chosen for this high honor.”

In his new role, Sparlin will manage the district’s day-to-day operations overseeing the state’s seventh largest school district, with 22 schools and more than 1,800 staff members serving more than 18,000 students.

— Oswego names one of its own to be next superintendent —