OSD308 Board To Review Reopening Plans During Monday Meeting

OSWEGO, IL — Students of the Oswego School District 308 could be returning to classrooms and a plan to accommodate this will be presented to the Board of Education during its Monday meeting. The district's 16,800 students have been participating in remote learning since Aug. 24 due to safety concerns because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Even though the district has not disclosed its reopening plans yet, Superintendent Dr. John Sparlin released a video message to parents and students providing some insight into the strategy.

"Our approach to bringing our students back is both a phased in and methodical one," Sparlin said. "It is important to note, as we transition back to in person learning, families will still have the option to continue in the fully remote environment if that setting is most appropriate for your students."

He said that the plan presented to the board will detail the stages and timing of resuming in person learning, along with the metrics "we are basing the safety of our plan on." He understands the current situation is not ideal and has heard from many parents about sending children back for in-person learning.

"We understand that most of our students, staff and parents are eager to see kids back in classrooms very soon; however we want to be sure that we have prepared a plan that is sustainable, so we can remain safely in school," Sparlin said. "We are building a structure that supports the many mandates and best practices encouraged to keep students and staff safe while at school."

He said social distancing, small classes, face coverings, classroom layout, daily screenings and many other detailed components of the safety plan have been created to make the school environment as safe as possible.

"We are surrounded by many other school districts, each with their own unique educational plans and timelines that support their population’s needs," he said. "During this extraordinary time, we are planning, adapting, and responding to situations we have never before experienced. Each decision we make is grounded in the best interest of our students and staff, meeting their educational needs in the safest way possible."

The Board of Education will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Oswego East High School. The meeting will also be livestreamed through the district's website.