The Byron Buzz

The Fall Has Been A Success For Our Athletic Teams

This fall has been a great success for our athletic teams as they head into post-season tournaments. The Byron volleyball and football teams clinched conference or district championships during the regular season, with the football team achieving this milestone for the first time since 2002. The girls' cross-country team consistently performed well, earning several first-place finishes and ending the season as conference runners-up. The boys' soccer team also had a strong season, finishing with a winning record before falling to the #1 seed in the second round of sectionals.

The girls' soccer team entered the section tournament as the #2 seed and continued their winning streak, including a thrilling 1-0 victory over #1 seed Winona, earning them a spot in the State Tournament this week. They will play on Tuesday in Eden Prairie at 5:30 against Holy Angels Academy.

The cross-country teams will compete in the section meet this week, and both volleyball and football enter sections as #1 seeds. Volleyball will play at Scheels Gymnasium this Wednesday at 7:00 PM, while football takes the field Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM at Byron High School. Congratulations to all our athletes and coaches on a remarkable season, and best of luck as they finish out their seasons.

Why focus on sports in this week’s article? Recently, we highlighted our strong MCA test scores compared to the state average and have consistently showcased achievements within our schools in The Buzz. This week, I’m highlighting athletics because they exemplify the dedication of our students and staff to pursuing excellence. Our students thrive when provided with the right role models, facilities, and opportunities. While the community often sees the win-loss records and test scores, there’s also the development of character fostered by caring individuals who hold our students to high standards, encouraging them to be their best in everything they do.

Our district's vision of "A community of learners committed to making the world a better place" is truly alive and thriving in all our schools.

Go Bears!

Dr. Mike Neubeck, Superintendent

Email: mike.neubeck@byron.k12.mn.us
Website: https://www.bears.byron.k12.mn.us/
Location: 801 Frontage Road NW, Byron, MN, USA
Phone: 507-775-2383
Facebook: facebook.com/byronbears
Twitter: @neubecksupt

On Wednesday, October 23rd, the Byron Education Association will be hosting a School Board Candidate Forum. The format of the evening will include questions to each candidate in these areas:

1. Current/Previous District Involvement

2. District’s Strategic Plan and implementation

3. District Budget and Finances

4. Accessibility of board and communication with stakeholders

5. Issues facing Byron

The event will be held at the High School Performing Arts Center at 6:30PM.

• Residents are being asked to approve a 10-year levy, with inflationary increases, to help cover operational costs. This levy is structured to raise $1.9 million annually, based on a contribution of $800 per student.

We are now just weeks away from the operating referendum vote, and unfortunately, we still do not have verified totals for last school year. For more details on this situation, you can read the letter I sent out this weekend.

In previous editions of The Buzz, we shared that this will be the fourth operating levy for Byron since 1995, and currently, we do not have one in place. As we project future enrollment, revenues, and expenses, it’s clear that we cannot maintain our current educational programs without either making reductions across the district or receiving support from residents through an operating levy. If the referendum does not pass, the next opportunity to hold a vote will be next November, which would delay the necessary funding until the 2026-27 school year.

Byron is the third-lowest-funded school district in the state and one of 92 districts without an operating levy. Among districts that have them, the average is $1,080 per pupil and we are asking for $800 per pupil. I encourage you to watch the video from the town hall meeting for a deeper explanation of our district’s needs moving forward: Town Hall Meeting.

We are not asking our community to approve this referendum for luxuries. Our staff and community have worked tirelessly over the past several years to develop and deliver a high-quality education that our students, families, and the entire community can be proud of. We are committed to doing everything possible to maintain the level of excellence that Byron has come to expect from our district.

Over the last several months, we’ve gained valuable insights into many aspects of our district, including the areas that needed to be improved, and we are better prepared to face the challenges ahead. We understand that your past support has already placed a significant financial responsibility on you, but we need the community's assistance once again to help us remain a model district in the state and a great place for students to learn and thrive.

To view information about our referendum please visit our website!

Kudos to Olivia Newton for being nominated as an outstanding teacher and receiving a check for classroom supplies from Altra Bank in Rochester. Way to Ms. Newton!

The High School Drama Department is preparing for their fall production It's a Wonderful Life on November 1, 2, and 3. Please mark your calendar as this will be a great opportunity to support our student actors in the High School Auditorium.

Congratulations to the Lady Bears Soccer Team for being Region 1AA Champions and making it to State. Good Luck !

Lady Bears Futbol State Bound '24 apparel can be purchased at the link below:

https://byrongirlsstatesoccer.itemorder.com/shop/sale/

• Boys Basketball
• Girls Basketball
• Wrestling
• Gymnastics
• Dance

Beginning this fall, you are able to skip the ticket lines and purchase your tickets for any varsity activity/athletic competition online. We encourage people to use this online ticketing so we can serve you faster and more efficiently. Before attending a game, go to this link: Byron Athletic Homepage where you can pay for the tickets and download them to your phone. Skip the lines and get a better seat for the big game.

State Tournament information

Girls Soccer vs. Holy Angels Academy

Tuesday, October 22 - 5:30 PM

Eden Prairie High School

Section Tournament Information:

Passes do not work for Section Tournaments. Adults are $10 and Senior/Students are $6

Tickets will be available on GoFan and cash at the gate.

Section 1AAA Volleyball Quarterfinals

Wednesday, October 23rd - 7pm

Byron Scheels Gymnasium

Byron vs. TBD

Section 1AAAA Football Semifinals

Saturday, October 26th - 1pm

BHS - Stadium

Byron vs. Winona or Austin

• • Join on Friday, October 25 from 6-7:30 pm us for a night of family fun and Halloween magic! Enjoy a photo booth, play games, and stroll through our Trick-or-Treat Lane filled with fun trinkets and sweet treats. We are grateful to members of the Byron Area Chamber of Commerce for providing fun games at this event! SIGN UP!

    Registration Deadline: October 23 at Noon

  
  

• Join Byron Community Education for Discovery Day on November 2nd between 8 am to 11 am at the Community Education Center! This exciting event offers a variety of hands-on, engaging activities for all ages. Complete the event passport to earn your chance at winning door prizes! Drum your way into fitness with our energetic Pound class or try your hand at pickleball for some friendly competition. Get creative with cookie decorating and unleash your artistic side with a clay activity in the Makerspace. Robotics will be in building and tinkering if you want to explore some engineering opportunities. Check out the Food Pantry and test a few toys in the new Early Learning Library from 9-11 am.
  

No registration is needed for this FREE community event. Learn more here!

• Hurry! Registration is closing soon for these upcoming classes:

  
  

  • Gnome-Body Bakes it Better - Cooking Decorating on 11/2
  • Intro to Wheel Throwing for Students in Grades 6-12 starts 11/2
  • ECFE's Saturday Morning Fun: STEM on 11/2
  • Learn to Play Pickleball for Active Adults - starts 11/7