For Buster Barton, Byron is more than just the place he calls home; it’s the community that helped shape the course of his life. He moved to Byron in the spring of 1983 as a kindergartner, entering a district that would play a pivotal role in his journey, both as a student and as an educator. Today, as Superintendent of Byron Schools, Buster is excited to launch a new initiative—you’re holding it in your hands—that will help the broader community stay connected to the district through stories that matter—because, as he knows firsthand, community is everything.

Buster’s story begins in what he describes as a complicated homefront. “None of my siblings graduated high school,” he reflects. “I wasn’t on the best path either, failing several times in middle school and even having to take summer school to pass eighth grade.” It was a tough road, but Buster credits a network of caring educators, coaches, and community members who stepped in at the right moments.

“I didn’t always understand why they invested in me,” Buster admits, “but they did. They set expectations, and eventually, I didn’t want to let them down.” A pivotal moment came when a middle school PE teacher encouraged him to try out for a sport. “That one phone call changed everything,” he says. It opened doors to new relationships. “I was always a hard worker, but these people helped guide me toward working on the right things.”

This sense of community support is what drove Buster to return to Byron as an educator. After earning his degree from Illinois State University and returning to his hometown, Buster worked his way through various roles—from teacher and coach to assistant principal, then principal, and finally superintendent. “I’ve had the privilege of working at every level in our district,” he says, “and that’s allowed me to see just how much we offer our students and how strong our community really is.”

When I ask Buster what makes him most proud of Byron Schools, he doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the sense of community. It’s palpable. I’ve seen it as a student and now as an administrator— the way people rally around each other, especially when times are tough. Our school is a reflection of that. People here are proud to be a part of that.”

Byron’s strong sense of pride extends beyond its athletic successes, though those are certainly impressive. The community, Buster explains, also invests heavily in academics, the arts, and vocational training. “We’ve worked hard to provide our students with pathways that fit their interests and needs, whether that’s earning college credits or entering the workforce with a certification,” Buster explains. The district recently reintroduced a CNA program, allowing students to graduate with a license in nursing—a direct benefit not just to the students, but to local institutions like the community’s nursing home.

“We have high expectations here, whether it’s academics, athletics, or the arts,” Buster says. “But it’s not just about winning. It’s about giving our students the tools they need to succeed, whether they’re bound for college or a career.

This commitment to the community, Buster says, is why Byron Schools is launching a new initiative: a quarterly magazine to highlight the positive stories happening within the district. Partnering with Journey12, the district is aiming to bridge the communication gap between the schools and the wider community—especially for those who aren’t on social media or don’t have that direct digital conduit through children in the school system.

“Byron is a community school,” Buster says, “and we want everyone— whether they have kids in school or not—to know about the great things happening here. We’re proud of what we’re doing, and we want to share that with the people who have helped build this community.”

The magazine will serve as a vehicle to showcase student achievements, teacher highlights, and community involvement, reaching every door in the district, from parents to business owners to long-time Byron residents. “It’s about keeping people informed, aware, and connected,” Buster explains. “Even if you’re not actively involved in the school, you’re still a part of it, and we want you to feel that connection.”

The initiative also recognizes that Byron Schools doesn’t operate in a vacuum. “We know we’re not doing this alone,” Buster adds. “Our successes are the community’s successes. That’s why it’s so important to share our stories and keep that bond strong.”

While this new magazine marks an exciting chapter for community engagement, Buster remains focused on ensuring long-term stability for the district. Financial stability, in particular, is top of mind, as Buster continues to work with local municipalities and key stakeholders to secure the resources Byron Schools need to thrive.

But in true Buster fashion, it all comes back to the community. “We’ve been lucky,” he says, “but it’s not just luck. It’s the people—the teachers, the parents, the volunteers—who make Byron special. My goal is to make sure we keep that going for years to come.”