The Byron School District is moving forward with significant repairs to some of its oldest spaces as they make strides to complete their long-term Capital Improvement Plan. The district’s plan was developed through the Strategic Planning process. Members of the Community Focus Groups and the Buildings and Ground Task Force helped identify and prioritize essential projects throughout the entire district. Members were asked to consider a variety of criteria such as; cost effectiveness, handicap accessibility, safety conditions, and the potential for multi-use. “Some of these spaces haven’t been touched in 30 to 40 years so the equipment and materials needed to make repairs is no longer available,” explains Byron Activities Director, Jeff Milburn, “We’re proud of the history that has taken place here and we want to ensure that future generations have the same opportunity to achieve excellence–these renovations will help do that.” The district is addressing the extensive list bit by bit.
One of the most prominent spaces, Everett Stine Stadium, hosts two of Byron’s highly decorated programs, Byron Football and Byron Track & Field. The stadium was dedicated in honor of Everett Stine on August 25, 2012. Coach Stine served as head coach of varsity football for 37 years (1967-2003). Under Coach Stine’s leadership, the team reached IHSA State Playoffs fifteen times and won Byron’s first state championship in 1999. Fifteen players earned all-state status. Sixty-six players went on to play college football, twelve of them in NCAA Division I. Two players-Sean Considine and Troy Drake-went on to play in the National Football League. Coach Stine was inducted to the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Byron Hall of Fame in 2012. Those who played for Coach Stine say that his greatest legacy was that he taught the game of life–hard work, teamwork, humbleness, family, preparedness, promptness, pride, and commitment to excellence.
The stadium’s renovations will include installing new home bleachers with expanded ADA seating on the west side of the stadium, replacing the heavily worn six lane track with a new eight lane track to allow the district to once again host IHSA events, turfing the sidelines of the field to protect the integrity of the new track surface, consolidating and relocating the field events to their own space near the pickleball courts, and implementing several other safety improvements to ensure that it remains a premier venue for athletic and community events. The district plans to host a re-dedication ceremony in the fall when construction is completed.
The Byron PE Center will also receive some much needed repairs. The deteriorating indoor track surface will be replaced with a safer surface that will allow athletes to wear indoor cleats. Plans also include installing new drop-down batting cages, as well as rehabbing the restrooms and tile. The PE Center serves both the school district and park district. It is a hub of activity all year long. Athletes of every age will benefit from these improvements.
The Byron Aquatic Center will undergo extensive renovations to improve the air quality and safety of the pool environment. The pool deck, starter blocks, diving board, timing software, and HVAC systems will all be replaced. Visitor entry will be re-configured to accommodate ADA seating and lighting and sound acoustics will be updated. The Byron Aquatic Center is home to the Byron Swim & Dive team and Tiger Sharks. It also serves as the pool for Byron Park District patrons and elementary students who are taught swimming as part of their physical education curriculum. The planned renovations will positively impact a wide range of individuals.
The district has finished several large projects in the past couple of years and they will continue to adjust their comprehensive plan to address as many projects as possible within the parameters of the financial strategy approved by the Board of Education. On Thursday, March 20th, the Board approved the sale of the bond which will finance these projects as well as pay for additional renovations at Byron High School which include the food service area and the Student Services Office. The Board intends to keep their tax rate stable despite selling bonds to finance the district’s capital projects.
The district is planning to celebrate the grand re-opening of these facilities as well as recognize some extraordinary people who helped shape Byron excellence once the projects are completed in the fall. Superintendent Buster Barton recognizes that projects of this nature are a huge undertaking but also a necessity, stating, “These vital spaces, which have served as the foundation for countless student achievements and community engagement, are undergoing updates to continue fostering excellence for generations to come.” The community can look forward to future announcements communicating the details of each celebration.