District hires new executive director
June 28, 2012
Although the Executive Director position is newly-created, it will replace one of two Assistant Superintendent vacant positions. In his position, Mr. Sparlin will oversee the human resources, student services and communications departments. He will report to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Paul O’Malley. Mr. Sparlin will begin his duties with District 308 on July 2.
“I would like to thank the Board of Education and Dr. Wendt for the opportunity to serve the District 308 community in the role of Executive Director of Administrative Services,” Mr. Sparlin stated. “It is an honor and privilege to have been selected for this leadership position. I look forward to beginning my work as a collaborative member of the District 308 leadership team.”
John Sparlin comes to District 308 with 20 years in education, most recently with J. Sterling Morton School District 201 in Cicero. For the past two years, he served District 201 as the Executive Director of Human Resources. Prior to his central office experience, Mr. Sparlin was a building principal at Romeoville High School for four years and Humphrey Middle School for two years, and an assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Bolingbrook High School for three years, all in Valley View School District 365-U. His early years in education were spent as a dean of students/teacher/coach at Glenbard South High School in District 87 and a physical education/health teacher and coach in Valley View.
“The Illinois Association of School Boards assisted the school district and found 44 highly qualified applicants. The six finalists were interviewed and my first choice was John Sparlin”, stated Dr. Wendt. “This is a very good day for District 308 and we are fortunate to find such a respected educational leader to join our education family.”
Mr. Sparlin earned his bachelor’s degree at Eastern Illinois University, his master’s degree in education at Benedictine University and a Certificate of Advanced Study degree with a superintendent endorsement through Lewis University. He will soon complete his doctorate degree through Lewis University. John Sparlin and his wife, Jodi, have three children: Jake (12), Katelyn (10) and Kirsten (6).
“On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to welcome Mr. Sparlin to the District family.” Mr. Walsh continued, “I believe Mr. Sparlin’s educational philosophy of setting high expectations for our students, focus on collaborative work to drive excellence throughout the District and the need to have a perpetual cycle of learning where students and teachers will truly be life long learners provides an excellent foundation for supporting the students, teachers, building administrators and staff throughout the District.”