Byron may look a little like an ordinary small town tucked alongside the river, amid cornfields, but if you peek beneath the surface, you'll see an extraordinarily special community rich in spirit and support for its schools. Helping to lead this effort are two remarkable women, Clarice Brisart and Jeanie Behrens, who serve as the president and vice president of the Byron PTA.

Though Clarice and Jeanie took different paths to Byron, they share a deep commitment to making their school district a place where students thrive—and they’ve bonded over their shared mission.

“We moved here right before my son Corbin started kindergarten,” Clarice recalls. “We wanted a better school district, and Byron had a reputation for strong academics and sports programs.”

Jeanie, meanwhile, smiles wryly as she tells us she was roped in during a back-to-school night. “I went to the PTA table, and that’s where I met Clarice. She roped me in right away,” Jeanie laughs. “I’ve been involved ever since.” Though relatively new to the area, Jeanie found Byron to be the perfect place for her family to call home after moving from the suburbs.

Their stories are a testament to the power of community engagement and the strength of Byron's schools. The PTA they lead is not just about organizing fundraisers—it’s about bringing people together, providing resources, and ensuring that every child in the district feels supported.

“Honestly, one of the biggest strengths of Byron is the teachers,” says Clarice. “I’ve never met a teacher here that I didn’t like. They’re not just great educators—they truly care about the kids.”

Jeanie agrees, adding, “A lot of the teachers grew up here, so their heart is in it. They care because their kids are in the schools too.”

Both women acknowledge that the sense of community extends far beyond the school walls. “It’s like everyone here is watching out for each other’s kids,” Clarice explains. “I love knowing that even if I’m late picking up my son, there will always be other parents or teachers there looking out for him.”

The PTA plays a crucial role in fostering this sense of togetherness. From organizing class parties to funding special projects, they strive to make sure the district has everything it needs. The organization’s strength comes from the hard work and dedicated service of the many volunteers who serve in leadership roles or as members of the numerous committees tasked with supporting the schools.

“Last night, the fifth-grade teachers came to us asking for extra funds to take the kids to a movie,” Clarice explains. “We were able to say yes because we’ve raised enough money through our fundraisers. It feels good to give back.”

Jeanie has taken the lead on organizing school parties—Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day—where she works to involve as many parents as possible. “I want different people involved, not just the same faces at every event,” she says. “The more parents who participate, the better it is for the kids.”

And it’s not just moms showing up. “We’re seeing more dads get involved now, especially with more people working from home,” Jeanie says. “It’s a great trend.”

Clarice and Jeanie also make sure that the district’s staff feel appreciated. From organizing teacher appreciation events to providing school supplies for children in need, their efforts extend well beyond the classroom.

“We also donate money to the local food pantry every year,” says Clarice. “It’s one of the ways we try to give back to the wider community, too.”

What truly sets Byron apart, they say, is the strong bond between the community and the school district. “It’s a small town, but it’s a small town with so much to offer,” Clarice reflects. “The school district, the sports programs— it’s all top-notch.”

Jeanie adds, “Coming from a larger suburban district, I was nervous about moving to a smaller town. But once I got here, I realized how special Byron is. Everyone knows each other, and everyone wants the best for the kids.”

Their dedication and passion for the Byron schools are clear, but when you ask them what they’re most proud of, they remain humble. “We’re just happy to do our part,” says Clarice with a smile. “The PTA is a small way we can give back to a district that’s given so much to our kids.”

As Clarice and Jeanie continue to lead the PTA with humor, grace, and boundless energy, one thing is certain: Byron’s students are in generous, supportive hands.