Oswego School District 308 Hosts Community Meetings on Future Plans

Oswego School District 308 is engaging community members in mapping out the future of education within the district through a series of community meetings. These sessions are designed to gather feedback as the district develops a master facility plan aimed at addressing both current and future needs. The meetings began in September and will continue this month, with a session scheduled for 6 p.m. on October 22, 2023, at Thompson Junior High School, located at 440 Boulder Hill Pass, Oswego. A virtual meeting will follow at 7 p.m. on October 27, 2023.

The initiative is being facilitated by Wight & Company, an architectural, engineering, and construction firm. Last October, the school board approved a contract worth $380,000 with Wight & Company to assist in the development of this master facility plan. During a previous community meeting held on September 10, Stuart Brodsky, a principal at Wight & Company, outlined the firm’s objectives.

“We specialize in designing educational learning environments, particularly for early childhood through 12th grade,” Brodsky explained. He emphasized the importance of creating healthy and sustainable buildings that support student well-being, stating, “We want to ensure that students are comfortable and can thrive in these environments.”

As part of their assessment, Wight & Company is examining the physical condition of each building within the district. This includes evaluating key structural elements such as walls, roofs, windows, mechanical systems, and lighting. Brodsky also highlighted the concept of educational alignment, which aims to align interior learning environments with the district’s strategic goals.

To enhance educational alignment, the plan proposes several improvements across the district. Suggested upgrades include modernizing administrative spaces at Murphy Junior High, enhancing science labs at Oswego High School, and increasing student parking at Oswego East High School.

Currently, approximately 80 percent of the district’s buildings were constructed between 1995 and 2010. Wight & Company noted that while the district has maintained its facilities well, no building is in critical condition, indicating a proactive approach to facility management.

For those interested in learning more about School District 308’s Long-Range Facility Plan, further information is available on the district’s official website at sd308.org. The continued community involvement reflects the district’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment where stakeholders can contribute to shaping the future of education in the area.