Superintendent Dr. John W. Sparlin submitted his letter of intent to retire from the Superintendent position at the conclusion of the 2022-23 school year. Dr. Sparlin’s retirement was included on the personnel report passed by the Board of Education on Monday, Jan. 9.
Dr. Sparlin has been with Oswego Community Unit School District 308 for 11 years, serving as Superintendent for the past seven. Prior to being superintendent, he held positions as Associate Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services in SD 308. Dr. Sparlin started his educational career in 1993 as a junior high teacher and coach, later becoming a high school teacher and coach. His first administrative position was serving as a Dean of Students at Glenbard South High School, then as Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Bolingbrook High School, Principal of Humphrey Middle School, Principal of Romeoville High School and then Executive Director of Human Resources in the Morton High School District. Dr. Sparlin is a third generation educator who has followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
During his time as Superintendent, Dr. Sparlin received several accolades and awards for his commitment to education and community engagement. He was a 2019 inductee in the District 202 Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2022, he was given recognition for leading the development and growth of the district’s partnership with the American Heart Association, surpassing $1 million dollars in fundraising. Dr. Sparlin was integral in creating and expanding the annual Food Drive the district completes each fall, growing year over year to provide the largest single donation to the local food pantry each year.
When asked what he is most proud of during his time in 308 he stated: “I am most proud of the accomplishments of our students and staff in this district,” said Dr. Sparlin. “We have an incredible number of students who receive the highest honors available to Illinois students every year. Our schools are filled with alumni who have come back to our community to teach and work in the schools they attended as kids, and we have a staff that goes above and beyond each and every day to ensure that all of our kids are cared for, educated, and feel loved.”
Reflecting on the past seven years, Dr. Sparlin shared, “We’ve had many challenges to overcome, from redrawing boundaries, to many years of budget issues, to multiple referendums and most recently, a pandemic. Throughout all of these challenges we have always kept our focus on the students and academic excellence.”
Usually referring to students, parents, and staff as the 308 family, Dr. Sparlin has led the district in a welcoming and inclusive manner. “I feel very fortunate to have served in a community where people come together to celebrate, as well as a place where people come together to embrace and to lift each other up when needed,” said Dr. Sparlin. “I have always said if we all do a little, it adds up to a lot”.
When asked about future plans, Dr. Sparlin indicated that he will continue working in some capacity of education, but in a role that will allow for him to have more time with his family. “Leading a district with 23 schools serving over 17,000 students is oftentimes a 24/7 commitment, one which I have sincerely enjoyed for many years,” said Dr. Sparlin.” Working in 308 for the past eleven years and serving as your Superintendent for the past seven years has been the greatest honor of my career.”
The Board of Education President released a statement following Monday’s meeting. The Board has engaged in discussion regarding the process and timeline for recruitment of the next Superintendent. President Simelton shared that students, staff, parents and the extended community will have opportunities to provide input and be involved in the search. At the next Board of Education meeting details will be shared about how feedback and input will be collected.
