2 0 1 3 A N N U A L R E P O R T

S C H O O L D I S T R I C T 3 0 8SD 308WE’RE MAKING A POSITIVE

DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY

Community Unit School District 308EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE. CARING COMMUNITY.

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Dear School District 308 Employees, Parents, and Patrons:

Welcome to the 2013 Annual Report. This publication, coupled with the Power-Point presentation at www.oswego308.org, serves as an outline of the history, current achievements, and vision for the ninth largest public school system in Illinois. On behalf of over 17,163 students and approximately 1,800 employees, thank you for taking the time to review and carefully consider the information.

For generations, School District 308 students have been provided incredible opportunities. Parents chose Oswego and area communities as safe areas to live and found schools to be great places for a quality education. As one of the fastest growing school systems, facility con-struction and development has been a focus for decades. Every year, including periods of economic downturn, School District 308 increased in student enrollment. Projected enrollment also supports future increases, and by 2020, the school district likely will have 20,000 students.

Although student achievement in the district has traditionally outpaced national and state results, recent data indicate too many students are falling behind. Successes and accomplishments are noted throughout the system, but too often many kids fail to perform at levels often found across Illinois. The time is now to reinvent frameworks to ensure every student can compete at the next level. I look forward to leading the school district through improvement processes resulting in higher academic achievement.

A new strategic plan will be developed over the next six months. A new vision statement, mission statement, goals, and objectives will be recommended for approval by the Board of Education. This visionary roadmap will clearly outline direction and articulate core values. Priorities and initiatives will continue to be advanced and a systemic approach to policies, procedures, planning, and protocols will be finalized.

College and career readiness require school systems to rethink past practice and be willing to make adjustments aligned to international standards. The PowerPoint serves as a guideline to highlight efforts for the 2013-14 school year. We have much to accomplish and together School District 308 will become an international leader.

No excuses; no more delays; but rather I urge all of us to be willing to implement what has been proven to increase student learning. I am excited to be a member of the team dedicated to doing whatever it takes to be recognized as a world-class school system. Our future is so bright.

Respectfully,

Dr. Matthew Wendt

Superintendent of Schools

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Superintendent Welcome .............................................................Page 2

Board of Education .......................................................................Pages 4-5

Mission ...........................................................................................Page 6

District Leadership Team .............................................................Page 7

History ............................................................................................Pages 8-9

District Demographics ..................................................................Page 10

District Initiatives .........................................................................Page 11

Academic Achievement ................................................................Pages 12-13

School List / Information / Contact .............................................Page 14

Budget ............................................................................................Page 15

Athletics and Activities ................................................................Page 16

Fast Facts / Enrollment Projections ...........................................Page 17

High Schools Feeder System Chart .............................................Pages 18-19

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On behalf of the Board of Education, it is an honor and privilege to serve this outstanding school district. As elected representatives for the community, we spend our time focused on governing with the sole purpose to move the district forward for the benefit of our current students and future generations. The 2013 Annual Report affords us the opportunity to pause and reflect on our past so we can appreciate and celebrate our progress.

We encourage you to join us in reflecting on the district’s many accomplishments. We are proud of our professional staff, teachers, support staff, and administrators for their work each day to ensure our students are learning at optimal levels and supporting them as they become excellent citizens. We are equally proud of our students and their great successes.

As you flip through the pages of this publication, we trust that you will share our enthusiasm for the school system and its students, faculty, and staff. This report will share with the district’s stakeholders a snapshot of our accomplishments and opportunities. While our administration, staff, teachers, and school directors have an intimate knowledge of what is happening in our schools, many community members may not be aware of how their support has helped the district educate future leaders. Whether it be through volunteering, cheering on a sports team, attending a concert, or providing support via property taxes, we are grateful to have a community that values public education.

The 2013 Annual Report contains a wealth of information that spotlights the district’s continued commitment to excellence and its pursuit to becoming a “world-class” school district.

Thank you for your continued interest and support in our schools.

Bill Walsh

President, Board of Education

Community Unit School District 308

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Bill Walsh, President

Alison Swanson, Vice President

Danielle Paul, Secretary

Matt Bauman

Brent Lightfoot

Mike McDowell

Greg O’Neil

BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Community Unit School District 308 Board of Education (BOE) consists of seven elected individuals who represent the community in school district matters. BOE members are elected to four-year terms. The main function of the board is to establish policy for School District 308. The BOE conducts meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS

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COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 308

MISSION: OUR CORE PURPOSE AND DISTINCTION

The mission of Community Unit School District 308 schools—a unique partnership of students, staff, families, and community—is to ensure each student develops the capacity to thrive as a successful contributing citizen by providing exemplary educational experiences in a safe, caring, and responsive learning environment.

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DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dr. Matthew Wendt Superintendent of Schools

FINANCIAL AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES

Dr. Paul O’Malley Associate Superintendent

Brian Graves, Sr. Director of Communications and Public Relations

Vacant Director of Finance

Jeffrey Ryder Assistant Director of Finance

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Dr. John Sparlin Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services

Joe Deeney Director of Human Resources

Tim Neubert Assistant Director of Human Resources

Valerie Patterson Director of District Student Services

Bill Baumann Director of Operations

Dan Kenyon Assistant Director of Operations

Mike Barr Director of Facility Construction and Development

Pat Dacy Assistant Director of Facility Construction and Development

Allen Clasen Director of Technology

Derrick Berlin Director of Transportation

Gladys Martinez Assistant Director of Transportation

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Dr. Judith Minor Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning

Dr. Lisa Smith Director of Elementary Education

Melissa McDowell Assistant Director of Elementary Education

Dr. Edsel Clark Director of Secondary Education

Michael Purcell Assistant Director of Secondary Education

Amanda Clark Director of Special Programs

Ivette Dubiel Assistant Director of Special Programs

Dr. Brenda Dixon Director of Assessment, Data, and Accountability

Dr. Kellie Sanders Director of Professional Development and Training

Eric Watt Assistant Director of Professional Development and Training

Mary Redding Director of Special Education

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1852 After holding classes in a series of borrowed buildings, the Old Stone School is constructed at the northwest corner of Tyler and Monroe Streets in Oswego.

1867 Oswego Seminary becomes the first high school after residents vote to renovate the old courthouse building at the corner of where the current Village Green Park, Oswego Community Bank, and Oswego Post office are located.

1885 The Old Stone School is gutted by fire, and students are temporarily housed in the Oswego Seminary. Because the Old Stone School is also deteriorating, it is demolished at the end of the school year, and the Red Brick School is built on the same site for approximately $10,000. The building consists of four large classrooms to house both elementary and secondary students.

1887 Five students become the first graduates of the district.

1915 The school district buys the church about a block from the Red Brick School. The church becomes known as the Little White School.

1936 Voters decide to create the Oswego Community High School District.

1948 A modern high school with a cafeteria, allowing hot lunches to be served for the first time, is constructed at Franklin and Washington Streets in Oswego, currently District 308 Center.

1951 District student population: 590.

1961 Boulder Hill Elementary opens to handle the influx of students from the new subdivision. District student population: 1,768.

1964 The new Oswego High School opens on Route 71 across from East View. The former high school becomes Oswego Junior High.

1965 The Red Brick School is demolished and the Little White School is used as storage.

1967 Long Beach Elementary opens.

1971 District student population: 3,497.

1972 The Early Childhood Special Education program starts with one classroom at Long Beach Elementary.

1977 Thompson Junior High is constructed on Boulder Hill Pass and named after long-time music and band teacher Reeve R. Thompson. Oswego Junior High is renamed Traughber Junior High after long-time school superintendent Thomas L. Traughber.

1986 Early Bird/At Risk Preschool Program is launched.

1987 Voters approve a $14-million bond issue for additions and renovations to each of the district’s six buildings.

1991 Student population: 4,300.

Little White School, 1957

HISTORY

Community Unit School District 308 covers approximately 68 square miles and includes all of Oswego, as well as portions of Aurora, Joliet, Montgomery, Plainfield, and Yorkville. The following timeline provides a synopsis of the many changes that have taken place since the first school in the district opened.

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1994 The Academically Talented (AT) program begins.

1997 Old Post Elementary opens.

1998 A $47.5-million referendum is passed to renovate existing buildings and construct two additional elementary schools.

2001 Wheatlands Elementary and Fox Chase Elementary open.

2002 Bednarcik Junior High and Homestead Elementary open in the Aurora area. Voters approve a $155- million referendum to build up to seven new schools, including a second high school.

2004 Oswego East High School (OEHS) and Lakewood Creek Elementary open. Early Childhood Special Education has 10 classrooms, an office, and a gross motor room housed at OEHS.

2005 Three new elementary schools—Prairie Point, Churchill, and Wolf’s Crossing—open. District student population: 12,000.

2006 Plank Junior High opens in Churchill subdivision and is named after former school superintendent Dr. Karl Plank. Voters approve a $450-million referendum to finance the construction of five additional schools as well as renovate and expand nine existing buildings.

2007 Grande Park Elementary and Brokaw Early Learning Center open.

2008 Traughber Junior High School opens a new building and is named after longtime superintendent Thomas Loyd Traughber. Southbury Elementary opens. The old Traughber Junior High becomes the District 308 Center.

Oswego High School, 1957

The Old Stone School, 1852

Red Brick School, 1957

2009 Both Hunt Club Elementary and Murphy Junior High open. (Murphy Junior High served as Opportunity School and G.O.A.L. Program school until 2012.) The junior high is named after Oswego native Robinson Barr Murphy, the youngest man ever to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

2011 School District 308 celebrates the 50-year anniversary of the 1961 consolidation of High School District 300 and Elementary School District 8.

2012 School District 308 leadership balances $7.5 million budget through strategic fiduciary reductions, spending freezes, budget analysis, and programming audits.

2013 District student population: 17,163. Teachers with advanced degrees: 895.

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DEMOGRAPHICS

District 308 celebrates a racially and economically diverse student population.

• 62.4% of students are White

• 18.3% of students are Hispanic

• 19.2% of students are Black, Asian, or Multi-racial

• 5% of students are English Learners

• Only 2% of students miss 5% or more school days per year without a valid excuse

• 12% are students with disabilities

• 27.5% of students are considered “low-income” and eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunch

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5000

10000

15000

20000

8,67

9

9,77

1

11,11

4

12,5

99

13,7

89

14,3

47

15,0

02

15,7

36

16,2

91

16,7

08

17,1

63

17,2

65

17,6

62

18,0

21

18,3

67

18,5

92

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

*

2015

*

2016

*

2017

*

2018

*

SD 308 HISTORICAL TOTAL ENROLLMENT (BY ETHNICITY)

Total Number of Students Enrolled based on ISBE Report Cards

*In addition to the numbers above, about 550 preschoolers are enrolled in the district and that number is expected to increase moving forward.

SD 308 HISTORICAL TOTAL ENROLLMENT (10 YEARS)

Total Number of Students Enrolled based on ISBE Report Cards

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CURRENT DISTRICT 308 TEACHING AND LEARNING INITIATIVES

• Complete audits in Special Education, English Learner (EL), and Academically Talented (AT) programs

• Implement early childhood through grade 12 Common Core math standards aligned curriculum

• Begin English Language Arts (ELA) Common Core alignment, early childhood through grade 12

• Systematize and monitor reading and math interventions for impact on student growth

• Review of dual language programming as part of EL audit

• Begin strategic planning on all-day kindergarten, class size, homework, and grading practices

• Enact a proficiency credit plan for high school courses taken in junior high school

• Cultivate dual credit offerings via master’s in content cohort development

• Increase advanced placement offerings (Human Geography, World History, Comparative Government, Macroeconomics, Physics 1, and Environmental Science)

• Increase online offerings with the goal of no students or teachers needing to travel

• Define a district-wide systems of support

• Evolve the teacher appraisal system to align with new state and federal requirements

• Implement a data warehouse/assessment management system

• Begin professional learning communities model orientation

• Establish professional development committees for certified staff and educational support personnel

• Recruit and hire teachers with master’s in content

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RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

OUR STUDENTS

• District 308 high school students awarded a total of $12,106,270 in scholarships

• 36 “mathletes” participated in state competition

• Speech team competed in state competition

• Eight students named Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Program

• 22 students qualified for the national AP Scholar Award

• 22 students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award

• 14 students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award

• 133 students named Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission

OUR TEACHERS

• 17 are nationally board certified

• 67% have advanced degrees (state average 61.7%)

• 6 administrators and teachers have doctorate degrees

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ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

District 308 schools enjoy an outstanding reputation within the state, region, and nation. The district’s exemplary curricular programs have been designed to meet the needs of all students. Some of the key accomplishments achieved by District 308 students include:

ISAT ASSESSMENTS— 72% of students meet or exceed composite reading and math ISAT standards (59% for state)

— 69% of students meet or exceed reading ISAT standards (59% for state)

— 75% of students meet or exceed mathematics ISAT standards (59% for state)

— 87% of students meet or exceed science ISAT standards (80% for state)

PSAE ASSESSMENTS— 60% of students meet or exceed composite reading and math PSAE standards (53% for state)

— 62% of students meet or exceed reading PSAE standards (55% for state)

— 58% of students meet or exceed mathematics PSAE standards (52% for state)

— 54% of students meet or exceed science PSAE standards (49% for state)

ATTENDANCE AND GRADUATION RATE— 95% student attendance (94% for state)

— 95% four-year high school graduation rate,

beginning ninth grade (83% for state)

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District Administration Center 4175 Route 71, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-3080 F: (630) 636-3688

District 308 Central Registration 4175 Route 71, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-2404 F: (630) 636-3691

EARLY LEARNING/KINDERGARTEN

Brokaw Early Learning Center 1000 Fifth Street, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 551-9600 F: (630) 551-9619www.oswego308.org/schools/elc

East View Kindergarten Center 4209 Route 71, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 608-5000 F: (630) 608-5091www.oswego308.org/schools/eastview

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Boulder Hill Elementary 163 Boulder Hill Pass Montgomery, IL 60538 P: (630) 636-2900 F: (630) 636-2968www.oswego308.org/schools/boulderhill Churchill Elementary 520 Secretariat Lane, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-3800 F: (630) 636-3891www.oswego308.org/schools/churchill

Fox Chase Elementary

260 Fox Chase Dr. N., Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-3000 F: (630) 636-3078www.oswego308.org/schools/foxchase

Grande Park Elementary

26933 Grande Park Boulevard Plainfield, IL 60585 P: (630) 551-9700 F: (630) 551-9719www.oswego308.org/schools/grandepark

Homestead Elementary 2830 Hillsboro Blvd., Aurora, IL 60503 P: (630) 636-3100 F: (630) 636-3168www.oswego308.org/schools/homestead

Hunt Club Elementary 4001 Hunt Club Dr., Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-2800 F: (630) 636-2893www.oswego308.org/schools/huntclub

Lakewood Creek Elementary 2301 Lakewood Creek Drive Montgomery, IL 60538 P: (630) 636-3200 F: (630) 636-3291www.oswego308.org/schools/lakewoodcreek

Long Beach Elementary 67 Long Beach Road Montgomery, IL 60538 P: (630) 636-3300 F: (630) 636-3391www.oswego308.org/schools/longbeach

Old Post Elementary 100 Old Post Road, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-3400 F: (630) 636-3491www.oswego308.org/schools/oldpost

Opportunity School + G.O.A.L. Program* 61 Franklin Street, Oswego, IL 60543 P: Opportunity (630) 554-6871 G.O.A.L. (630) 636-3905

Prairie Point Elementary 3650 Grove Road, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-3600 F: (630) 636-3915www.oswego308.org/schools/prairiepoint

Southbury Elementary 820 Preston Lane, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 551-9800 F: (630) 551-9819www.oswego308.org/schools/southbury

The Wheatlands Elementary 2290 Barrington Drive West Aurora, IL 60503 P: (630) 636-3500 F: (630) 636-3591www.oswego308.org/schools/thewheatlands

Wolf’s Crossing Elementary 3015 Heggs Road, Aurora, IL 60503 P: (630) 636-3700 F: (630) 636-3791www.oswego308.org/schools/wolfscrossing

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Bednarcik Jr. High 3025 Heggs Road, Aurora, IL 60503 P: (630) 636-2500 F: (630) 636-2591www.oswego308.org/schools/bednarcik

Murphy Jr. High

26923 Grande Park Boulevard Plainfield, IL 60585 P: (630) 608-5100 F: (630) 608-5191www.oswego308.org/schools/murphy

Plank Jr. High

510 Secretariat Lane, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 551-9400 F: (630) 551-9491www.oswego308.org/schools/plank

Thompson Jr. High 440 Boulder Hill Pass, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-2600 F: (630) 636-2691www.oswego308.org/schools/thompson

Traughber Jr. High 570 Colchester, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-2700 F: (630) 636-2791www.oswego308.org/schools/traughber

HIGH SCHOOLS

Oswego High School 4250 Route 71, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-2000 F: (630) 636-2199www.oswego308.org/schools/ohs

Oswego East High School 1525 Harvey Road, Oswego, IL 60543 P: (630) 636-2200 F: (630) 636-2454www.oswego308.org/schools/oehs

SCHOOLS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

* Alternative Learning School

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BUDGETSchool District 308 ended the year with a balanced budget by implementing a number of strategic fiduciary reduction measures. The Board of Education approved the balanced budget in the spring of 2012. Following is a synopsis of that budget.

$149,059,030 General Budget*

• 80% – Teaching and Learning

• 9% – Operation and Maintenance

• 7% – Transportation

• 3% – Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund

• $40,646,508 – Capital Projects

• $34,218,806 – Bond and Interest

* FY 2013

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ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

School District 308 has a rich and competitive history of excellence in athletics and other activities. The district has many teams and student athletes that qualify for conference, state, and even national championships. Our 2012-13 athletic and activity accomplishments include:

• 49 seniors named All-Conference Academic award winners

• 83 All-Conference athletic award winners

• Eight All-State athletic honors awarded

• Five athletic conference championships

• Two regional athletic championships

• One sectional athletic championship

• One Gold Medal at the Scholastic National Art Competition

• Two Silver Medals at the Scholastic National Art Competition

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FAST FACTS

WHO WE ARE• 22 schools

• 1,026 teachers

• 1,843 employees

• 17, 163 students

• 2,075,000 meals served annually

• 9th largest of 868 public school districts in Illinois and one of the fastest growing with more than 500 new students this school year

• 176 buses

• 2,210,000 miles traveled annually

• 5 facilities with 3,083,975 square feet of building space

• Nearly 541 acres of property

K-12 ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS

School District 308 has experienced phenomenal growth over the past decade, but the district has space to accommodate even more students as the population in the areas it serves grows. In addition to the numbers below, 547 preschoolers are enrolled in the district.

2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Capacity

Elementary 8,469 8,430 8,414 8,433 8,569 10,825

Junior High 4,054 4,174 4,265 4,367 4,283 5,475

High School 4,742 5,068 5,343 5,567 5,740 6,400

District Total 17,265 17,662 18,021 18,367 18,592 22,700

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EAST VIEW

PRAIRIE POINT

BOULDER HILL

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

HUNT CLUB LAKEWOOD CREEK

SOUTHBURY

FOX CHASE OLD POST

FEEDER SYSTEM CHART

WOLF’S CROSSING

BROKAW EARLY LEARNING CENTER

CHURCHILL

GRANDE PARK

THE WHEATLANDS

LONG BEACH

HOMESTEAD

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BEDNARCIK JUNIOR HIGH

PLANK JUNIOR HIGH

MURPHY JUNIOR HIGH

TRAUGHBER JUNIOR HIGH OSWEGO HIGH SCHOOL

THOMPSON JUNIOR HIGH

OSWEGO EAST HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOLS

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

WE’RE MAKING A POSITIVE

DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY

4175 ROUTE 71 • OSWEGO, ILLINOIS 60543 • WWW.OSWEGO308.ORG

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Community Unit School District 308

S C H O O L D I S T R I C T 3 0 8SD 308