SD308 Names Sparlin as Superintendent

From Community Unit School District 308

The Board of Education will promote Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services Dr. John Sparlin to the district’s top administrative role as Superintendent of Schools beginning July 1, according to the school district website.

The proposed contract for Dr. Sparlin has been posted on the district’s website and is pending the Board of Education’s approval at its meeting on Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at Oswego East High School.

Sparlin joined the district in 2012 as the Executive Director for Administrative Services. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services in 2013. In this role, Sparlin oversaw the Departments of Human Resources, Student Services, Food Service, Operations, Technology, and Transportation.

In his current role as Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services, Sparlin oversees the daily operations of the District. He also continues to supervise the Departments of Human Resources, Student Services and Communications, and both the Assistant Superintendent for Business Services and Operations and the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning report to him.

“Due to his experience at 308, the board is confident that Dr. Sparlin is the right person to take our district to the next level and ensure it continues moving in the direction set by the board,” said Board of Education President Matt Bauman.

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead and serve School District 308 as the next Superintendent,” Sparlin said. “If you asked me four years ago where I would see myself five years down the road, I would’ve said exactly where I am today. I couldn’t be any more pleased to have been chosen for this high honor.”

In his new role, Sparlin will manage the district’s day-to-day operations overseeing the state’s seventh largest school district, with 22 schools and more than 1,800 staff members serving more than 18,000 students.

“I am pleased we are able to promote one of our own talents to fill the district’s top position,” Bauman said. “I know that Dr. Sparlin will serve School District 308 well as its Superintendent of Schools. He has demonstrated that he has what it takes to help District 308 and all of its students succeed.”

During his 23 years of working in education, Sparlin has served multiple school districts in Illinois.

Sparlin began his career in the Valley View School District 365U as a teacher and coach. He then served in the Glenbard School District 87 as a teacher and coach before beginning his administrative career as Dean of Students.

Prior to coming to School District 308, Sparlin served as Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Bolingbrook High School; Principal of Humphrey Middle School; Principal of Romeoville High School; and as Executive Director of Human Resources for the J. Sterling Morton High School District 201.

Sparlin earned his undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Ill., and a Master's Degree in Education from Benedictine University, Lisle, Ill. He also received his Certificate of Advanced Study, Type 75 Certification, and a Doctorate of Education Administration in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Lewis University, in Romeoville, Ill.

Sparlin will replace current Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Wendt, who is leaving School District 308 to become Superintendent of Schools of the Fayetteville Public Schools, Fayetteville, Ark. beginning July 1.

Click here to view contract.