District 308 Board selects new superintendent
June 1, 2012
Matthew Wendt, Ed.D. is currently the superintendent of the tenth largest public school district in Iowa. On July 1, he will join another fast-growing school district—the ninth largest in Illinois—as he takes the reins as the superintendent of Oswego Community Unit School District 308. The District 308 Board of Education approved Dr. Wendt’s superintendent contract at a special meeting held May 31.
“After the Board of Education met with several highly-qualified candidates for the superintendent position for District 308, the Board is very excited to have Dr. Wendt lead the Oswego 308 family,” said Board of Education President Bill Walsh. “Dr. Wendt is extremely passionate when it comes to student education and collaborating with teachers and staff. He has encountered similar issues in his previous district that we are currently facing with regard to student growth, improving test scores, and resource constraints; thus, his experience will be an asset to District 308. As a classroom teacher, principal, assistant superintendent for learning, and a superintendent, Dr. Wendt can appreciate and understand the concerns, and pressure, the district’s dedicated educators, building and central office administrators, and staff face on a daily basis. Dr. Wendt understands the need to have open communication with everyone to address issues and improve the district’s performance.”
Dr. Wendt comes to District 308 from Ankeny Community School District located in Polk County, Iowa, six miles from the capitol city of Des Moines. The district’s almost 9,000 preschool through high school-aged students are housed in 13 school buildings across 51.93 square miles. Dr. Wendt has led the district as its superintendent since 2007.
With his experience leading his previous district through fast-growth issues and financial challenges, the Board determined that Dr. Wendt would be a perfect fit for District 308 schools.
“I look forward to meeting and beginning to work with the administrative team, faculty, staff, community members and students in District 308,” said Dr. Wendt. “I am honored to have been selected by the Board of Education through such a comprehensive process, and look forward to helping them identify and meet their goals.”
Dr. Wendt earned his Bachelor of Science degree in English from Pittsburg State University in Kansas and his Master of Science degree in educational leadership from Kansas State University. Dr. Wendt earned his doctorate in educational administration at the University of Arkansas in 2005.
Dr. Wendt has been married for 21 years to his wife Dawn who teaches high school students in the gifted program. The couple has two children—a son, Ryan, age 18 and a daughter Rachel, age 16.
The appointment of Dr. Wendt follows a two month search for a new leader following the February resignation of current superintendent Dr. Dan O’Donnell. In March the Board hired the national superintendent search firm of Ray and Associates, Inc. to find his successor. Approximately 20 focus groups were held and 500 surveys completed to help guide the Board in finding a superintendent with the qualities that would enable him to meet the current needs of District 308. Of the 60 candidates who applied for the position, Dr. Wendt was unanimously selected as the Board’s top choice.
A June 11 reception has been scheduled so District 308 residents can meet the new superintendent prior to him taking office on July 1. The reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Oswego East High School, 1525 Harvey Road in Oswego.