Oswego School District 308 Engages Community in Future Planning

Members of the Oswego School District 308 community have a chance to influence the district’s future through a series of upcoming community meetings. These gatherings aim to gather input as the district develops a master facility plan to address both current and future facility needs. The meetings commenced in September and will continue throughout October, with a significant meeting 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 also be available on October 27, 2023, at 7 p.m.

The architectural firm Wight & Company, which specializes in educational facilities, will facilitate these discussions. Last year, the school board approved a contract worth $380,000 with Wight & Company to formulate this long-term plan. During a recent community meeting on September 10, Stuart Brodsky, a principal at Wight & Company, outlined the firm’s objectives and expertise.

“We specialize in designing educational learning environments, particularly for early childhood through 12th grade,” Brodsky stated. “We also focus on creating healthy and sustainable learning environments, ensuring that buildings are environmentally responsible and conducive to student well-being.”

As part of the planning process, Wight & Company is evaluating the physical condition of each building in the district, assessing factors such as walls, roofs, windows, mechanical systems, and lighting. Additionally, they are examining educational alignment, which involves aligning the physical learning environments with the district’s strategic educational goals. Brodsky emphasized the importance of this alignment, stating, “We will determine what it takes to better connect the interior and site learning environments with our educational objectives.”

The plan includes several recommendations for specific improvements at various schools. For instance, it suggests modernizing administrative spaces at Murphy Junior High, enhancing science labs at Oswego High School, and increasing student parking at Oswego East High School. Notably, approximately 80 percent of the district’s buildings were constructed between 1995 and 2010. Wight & Company has stated that the district has maintained its facilities well, with no building in critical condition.

For additional information regarding the Long-Range Facility Plan, community members can visit the district’s official website at sd308.org.