BYRON – At its Feb. 22, the Byron Board of Education approved a three-year contract for Buster Barton to become the district’s next superintendent.
Barton is currently the principal of Mary Morgan Elementary School in Byron. Prior to that, he served the Byron District as an assistant principal, coach, and teacher. Barton is a lifelong resident of the District and presently lives in the community with his wife and three children.
Board members noted his passion, collaborative leadership style and track record of academic excellence as qualities that led to their decision
“Mr. Barton is passionate about the children and residents of our District,” said board member Phil Kesler. “I am excited to see him lead and unite the District.”
Board President Carol Nauman said they are “pleased to welcome Mr. Barton as our new Superintendent. Mr. Barton will continue to push our District forward academically while being financially responsible.”
Key accomplishments in his recent leadership role include strengthening student achievement, building a collaborative culture, and recently leading Mary Morgan Elementary School to receive the prestigious Blue Ribbon School designation from the U.S. Department of Education.
Search consultants Dr. Gary Zabilka and Dr. Jill Hawk conducted the search on behalf of School Exec Connect.
The process included feedback from staff, administration, parents and community members, as well as input from a stakeholder committee and of course, the School Board. More than 40 applications were received and screened by the search consultants. Then the board interviewed five candidates and had second round interviews with 3 candidates.
Barton will begin his service to the Byron School District on July 1, 2018 at a salary of $150,000.
