Oswego School Board Renews Wendt's Contract

The Oswego Community School District 308 Board of Education on Monday approved a new five-year contract for Superintendent Matthew Wendt.

Under the pact, Wendt's base salary remains $225,000, the same as it was when he was first hired in 2012.

School board president Bill Walsh said the Board was pleased with the extension, and what it means for the future of the District 308, as it continues to develop and then implement the new five-year strategic plan.

“The board of education is proud of the work that has been accomplished to date by Dr. Wendt and the entire staff throughout the district,” Walsh said. “This commitment to Dr. Wendt ensures the direction and path the board and administration has outlined, and will continue moving forward to improve and strengthen the district.”

The new contract comes after a comprehensive performance review, which looked at 12 different competencies across three disciplines. According to the district, Wendt was found to be meeting or exceeding standards in all 12 competencies.

While Wendt's salary will remain the same for all five years of the contract, the agreement includes opportunities for bonus pay and other benefits.

District 308 is the state's eighth largest school district, and with an enrollment of just under 18,000, is one of the fastest-growing public school districts in Illinois.

Wendt, who previously served as superintendent of the Ankeny Community School District in Iowa, was hired in June 2012 and took over a month later following the resignation of Superintendent Dan O'Donnell.

Wendt's original contract was a three-year pact set to expire June 30, 2015. The new contract will replace the original agreement, effective July 1.

The new contract expires June 30, 2019.