January 07, 2025
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Dist. 308 community members invited to participate in focus groups, town halls starting Monday

By Eric Schelkopf
Raphael Obafemi, Oswego School District’s chief financial officer and chief school business official, speaks during a session that was part of a public forum Nov. 4 at Plank Junior High School.

Raphael Obafemi, Oswego School District’s chief financial officer and chief school business official, speaks during a session that was part of a public forum Nov. 4 at Plank Junior High School. (Eric Schelkopf)

Oswego School District 308 community members are invited to share their thoughts on a number of topics during a series of focus groups starting Monday.

At 4:30 p.m. Monday, the district will hold a focus group on English Learners and Dual Language, followed by a focus group at 6:30 p.m. on special education. Both meetings will be held in the community room at Oswego East High School, 1525 Harvey Road, Oswego.

Two more focus groups will take place Wednesday in the cafeteria at Plank Junior High School, 510 Secretariat Lane, Oswego. At 4:30 p.m., a focus group on gifted learners will take place followed by a focus group at 6:30 p.m. on Preparing for Post Secondary (College/Career).

Two more focus groups are scheduled for Thursday in the community room at Oswego East High School. At 4:30 p.m., there will be a focus group on student opportunities beyond the classroom followed by a focus group at 6:30 p.m. on mental health and wellness.

Parents and community members also will have the chance to provide their thoughts at town hall sessions at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, in the auditorium at Oswego East High School.

The community forums and town hall meetings come on the heels of a public forum at Plank Junior High School in November. The district is working on a new strategic plan, which will examine the district’s strengths along with areas of improvement.

In addition, board members recently unanimously approved a $380,000 contract with Wight & Company to develop a master facility plan for the district.

Plans are for the school board to adopt the master facility plan by December 2025. As part of the process, the company will get feedback from parents, school board members, district and school leaders, teachers/staff and students through workshops, surveys and public meetings.

Those who are interested in attending any focus groups or town hall sessions or invited to sign up by going to the school district’s website, sd308.org.