History & Timeline
Community Unit School District 308 is a living, breathing part of Oswego, Illinois, and its neighboring communities. For more than a century, it's been a vital thread in the fabric of our town's story, evolving alongside us as we've grown and changed.
Back in the early 1830s, when Oswego Township was still unsettled and untamed, a small group of settlers had a big vision. They didn't just want to carve out a living in the wilderness; they wanted to build a community—a place where families could thrive. Right alongside the cabins and farms, they built and erected the first schoolhouse—a humble log cabin where children gathered to learn from the pioneering educator, George Washington Kellogg.
By 1852, as Oswego started to take shape as a bustling village, the "Old Stone School" was built. It wasn't just a building; it was a symbol of the village's commitment to education, proudly standing on the corner of Tyler and Monroe Streets, a beacon of learning in our growing town.
Life isn't without its challenges. In 1885, tragedy struck with the devastating fire that razed the beloved Old Stone School to the ground. Yet, from the ashes emerged the Red Brick School—a testament to our resilience and determination to rebuild, stronger than ever.
In 1903, we celebrated a historic milestone as the first African-American student graduated from Oswego High School. It was a moment that spoke volumes about our values of inclusivity and equality, reminding us that education is the great equalizer.
As the decades rolled by, so did the changes. The swinging sixties brought a period of growth and transformation, culminating in the birth of a modern Oswego High School and the consolidation of smaller districts into the unified force we know today as Oswego Community Unit School District 308—a testament to our commitment to working together for the greater good.
Through it all, the community has never lost sight of the students' needs and has always stood behind their schools to provide the best possible education for its approximately 17,000 students.
Today, under the compassionate leadership of Superintendent Dr. Andalib Khelghati, SD 308 remains as committed as ever to our mission of nurturing young minds and preparing them for the future. With a legacy built on resilience, innovation, and a deep-seated belief in the power of education, we continue to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations of students in Oswego and beyond.
