USD 504 Oswego Names New Superintendent
James Dawson II begins leadership of USD 504 Oswego on July 1.
January 17, 2025
The USD 504 Oswego Board of Education has announced the selection of James Dawson, as the new superintendent. Mr. Dawson will take the reins on July 1, 2025 after the resignation of Mr. Mitchell Shaw at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
Mr. Dawson has broad educational experience, as a teacher, administrator and an educator of educators. He has 32 years of educational experience with 18 of those as a building administrator and 5 ½ of those years as an assistant superintendent. Mr. Dawson has been principal of USD 504 Oswego Jr/Sr High School where he oversaw the development of new programs made available to junior high/high school students.
Students in our schools succeed because they are quality students focused on preparing for their future. We feel our staff and administration support student learning and educational opportunities that will ensure they are prepared for career or college.
Board President, Lewis Riley, says that James Dawson emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the School District. “The Board is certain in our choice of James Dawson and confident that under his leadership USD 504 will continue to be recognized for its educational excellence.
Lewis Riley, Board President, explained that community input, including the involvement of stakeholders was a key factor in the success of the superintendent search process. The committees included teachers and administrators, parents and community members. “The input from the community as a whole was very helpful to our process.”
The Board selected two finalists, who were interviewed by the Board.
As a board team we feel we made the right selection to serve our students and our community.