Buster Barton, Superintendent of Byron Schools, is more than just an educational leader—he’s a strategic storyteller with a clear-eyed vision for what community-centered schooling can look like. Together with his Board President, he helped bring Journey12 into the fabric of Byron’s school district, not as a surface-level PR move, but as a deeper investment in trust, connection, and identity. Like so many rural districts across Illinois, Byron faces its own nuanced messaging challenges—some universal, others unique to its local dynamics. But what sets Byron apart is the way Buster and his team have chosen to meet those challenges: head-on, and with intention. Their approach to storytelling has been deliberate, inclusive, and powerfully human. They’ve made space for the broader community to see itself reflected in the life of the schools—not just as spectators, but as partners in the mission. They’ve honored alumni whose lives continue to echo with the values learned here. They’ve brought forward the voices and efforts of educators who pour themselves into their classrooms day after day. And perhaps most poignantly, they’ve shone a light on students from all walks of life—not just the headline-makers, but the quiet leaders, the everyday strivers, the stories that too often go untold. And in Byron, those stories are being told now—with heart, with dignity, and with pride. That’s the Barton way. And it’s something the entire community can celebrate.

Standing Firm in the Face of Doubt: Dr. Patrick Twomey’s Journey to Reclaim the Narrative in Macomb When Dr. Patrick M. Twomey, Superintendent of Macomb Schools, first explored the idea of partnering with Journey12, it was never about public relations. It was about something more essential—rebuilding trust, restoring connection, and reestablishing the human heartbeat between the district and the community it serves. But change, even when rooted in integrity, can stir resistance. Before the first issue of Flight Path ever landed in a Macomb mailbox, a wave of opposition—fueled largely by a vocal Facebook group—cast doubt on the value of the initiative. Questions swirled: Was this the best use of taxpayer dollars? Was storytelling really the tool to bridge the gap between school and community? Rather than retreat, Dr. Twomey leaned in. He invited Craig Williams to a public board meeting, offering transparency, context, and clarity. The conversation that night was honest. Some hearts were swayed. Others held their ground. But in the end, the board moved forward—by a near-unanimous vote—and trusted the process. And then the stories arrived. In mailboxes. In conversations. In living rooms and offices and coffee shops across Macomb. Flight Path didn’t just showcase the excellence within the district—it revealed the humanity of it. Students, educators, alumni, and community members saw themselves reflected in a new light. Skepticism gave way to appreciation. Cynicism softened into pride. Dr. Twomey’s path wasn’t the easiest, but it is perhaps the most emblematic of why this work matters. Because when a leader listens carefully, acts boldly, and stays true to the values of transparency and community, good things tend to follow. This video captures his voice. But the success of Flight Path? That belongs to the people of Macomb.

Shannon Anderson is an education innovator who fuels his district with a commitment to the positive narrative and to unwavering belief in—and support for—his team. He is an effective, inspirational leader and was an early adopter of the Journey12 initiative and he has built a durable connection between his schools and the community they serve. Nobody leverages the custom podcast more effectively than Shannon, and his people feel the glow of the spotlight his efforts afford.

I met Joe just as he was taking on the role of Superintendent in Jasper County. He had his hands full and was in the thick of the transition. But despite his full plate, from the very beginning, he saw communication with his community as vital to his new role. He and his team have delivered on enhancing the dialogue between the district and the community it serves—one of Illinois' largest in terms of geographical footprints.

Dr. Smith is a veteran educator and administrator who, along with his board, recognized a need for a more meaningful dialogue with the district taxpayer. As a strong communicator himself, he'd been frustrated by the limited reach in traditional school-based digital media and brought Journey12 in to conduct a quarterly 'every mailbox, every taxpayer' campaign. The results have exceeded expectations, and his community indicates a greater connection to the district. And, as Dr. Smith notes in his interview, "They [the taxpayers] pay a lot of money to support the district, they need to know what's going on."

Jon Green is a game-changer. In each of his administrative roles, he has led with innovation, and in each case, he has brought tremendous value to his school communities. He has a reputation for asking, "Why not," more so than, "Why?" And it has enabled him to blast through imaginary ceilings, taking students and staff along with him for hitherto unseen outcomes. He was the very first to adopt the Journey12 initiative in, not only the State of Illinois, but in the entire Country. We're very proud to lock arms with Jon in service to his students and his District.

Dr. Jennifer Garrison is a leader like few we've ever met. By weekday, she draws her community together in the face of challenges and even tragedy, but by weekends, she competes in Tough Mudder races and trains by rucking. Her knack for building teams and coalitions have made her a sought-after mentor and education innovator. She was among the first to hire Journey12 to produce her school community's story.

Stuart Parks is a longtime educator, administrator, and innovator. He has made tremendous impact in his leadership roles across Illinois, and has successfully revitalized, not only the reputations of the schools he leads, but their physical plants as well. Stuart has found more grant money, per student, than perhaps anyone we've ever met!

Journey12 has created a system for helping schools build their best stories and then put them directly into the hands of every single taxpayer in the district. This is a game changer and it is making a difference.