Schools

Reception Tonight for New District 308 Superintendent

Come meet Matthew Wendt tonight before the school board meeting at Oswego East High School.

You’ve been reading about him. Now’s your chance to meet him.

Tonight, the Oswego School District will host a reception for new superintendent Matthew Wendt, and you’re invited. The meet-and-greet runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at , directly before the school board meeting.

Last month, the board voted to approve a three-year contract with Wendt to replace outgoing superintendent Dan O’Donnell. O’Donnell’s last day will be June 30, and Wendt’s first will be July 1.

Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wendt’s contract guarantees him a base salary of $225,000 a year, plus benefits, and the board has the option to increase that figure for the contract’s last two years. That’s less than the $235,000 initially suggested by the district’s search firm, Ray and Associates, but an increase over O’Donnell’s salary – he was paid $200,000 for the 2011-2012 school year.

Wendt is currently the superintendent of the Ankeny School District in Iowa, which has faced many of the same issues as District 308. As reported by , Wendt was offered a new three-year deal to stay in Ankeny, but declined. He accepted a negotiated $176,000 payout as a transitional allowance.

Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But some members of the Ankeny School Board reportedly , once news broke of Wendt’s new job with District 308. Wendt provided a written statement to Iowa TV station KCCI, and you can read that statement .

Following the reception, the District 308 board will hold its regular meeting, at which members will discuss a potential new location for graduation ceremonies for the 2012-2013 school year. The meeting begins at 7 p.m., and is open to the public.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here