Oswego School District 308 Engages Community in Future Planning

Community members in Oswego School District 308 have another chance to share their insights as the district develops its master facility plan. A series of community meetings are set to continue this month, providing residents an opportunity to voice their opinions on the future of educational facilities in the area.

The next meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on October 22, 2023, at Thompson Junior High School, located at 440 Boulder Hill Pass, Oswego. Additionally, a virtual meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on October 27, 2023. These sessions are being facilitated by Wight & Company, an architectural, engineering, and construction firm, which was contracted last October for $380,000 to help formulate this comprehensive plan.

During a previous community meeting held on September 10, Stuart Brodsky, principal at Wight & Company, outlined the firm’s objectives. “We specialize in designing educational learning environments, particularly for early childhood through 12th grade,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of creating healthy and sustainable environments that promote student comfort and well-being.

As part of the planning process, Wight & Company is evaluating the physical condition of all district buildings, including essential elements such as walls, roofs, windows, mechanical systems, and lighting. Brodsky elaborated on another critical aspect of the master facility plan, known as educational alignment. This concept involves assessing how the interior and exterior learning environments can better support the district’s strategic goals.

The preliminary suggestions from Wight & Company include modernizing administrative spaces at Murphy Junior High, enhancing the science labs at Oswego High School, and increasing student parking facilities at Oswego East High School. Notably, 80% of the district’s buildings were constructed between 1995 and 2010, underscoring the need for updates and improvements.

Despite the aging infrastructure, Wight & Company has reported that all district buildings are well-maintained and none are in critical condition. The goal of these community meetings is to engage residents in the decision-making process and ensure that future developments align with community needs.

For further information about the Long-Range Facility Plan for School District 308, interested parties can visit the district’s official website at sd308.org. These meetings represent a significant opportunity for stakeholders to influence the direction of educational facilities in their community, as the district looks to adapt to current and future needs.