For over three decades, Dan Wilmarth has been the quiet force ensuring Byron Middle School operates seamlessly. As the head custodian, he embodies a dedication to service that goes far beyond his job description. From the moment he unlocks the doors at 6 a.m. to the time he leaves in the afternoon, Dan plays a crucial role in making the school a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for its students and staff.

Dan’s journey at Byron Schools began in 1992 at Mary Morgan Elementary School, where he spent 14 years before transitioning to the middle school. “I’ve seen this district grow in incredible ways,” Dan reflects. “When we moved into the new middle school building in 2008, it felt like a fresh start—an opportunity to create a space that represents the pride of this community.”

As the day shift custodian, Dan’s responsibilities are as varied as they are essential. In addition to overseeing three second-shift custodians, he tackles everything from cleaning spills to supervising lunch breaks and handling maintenance requests. “It’s not just pushing a broom,” he explains. “It’s a lot of physical work and problem-solving. There’s always something that needs attention—whether it’s a stuck locker, an overturned coffee cup, or unloading 40 cases of water.”

Dan takes immense pride in maintaining the school’s facilities. “We try to keep this place looking its best,” he says. “When someone tells me the floors are so clean you could eat off them, that means a lot. It’s a reflection of how much we care about this building and the people in it.”

His role extends beyond custodial duties. As a native of Byron and a graduate of the Class of 1978, Dan sees his work as a way to give back to the community that shaped him. Raised on a family farm just outside of town, he still carries the values of hard work and commitment instilled in him during his farming days. “I always say I needed a steady income to support my farming habit,” he jokes.

Dan’s connection to Byron runs deep. His son, Chad, works in the district as a physical education teacher and coach, while his daughter, Hannah, has ventured farther afield to Colorado Springs. “Having my son here at the school is something special,” Dan says. “It’s rewarding to see him making a difference in the lives of students, just like I hope to do in my own way.”

Byron’s sense of pride and community is something Dan treasures. “This is a small town, but we have facilities and programs that rival those of much larger districts,” he notes. “The Byron Community Theatre, for instance, is always buzzing with activity, hosting plays and events that bring people together. It’s a privilege to be part of a school and town where people truly care about education and each other.”

Despite the challenges of the job, including the physical demands and the occasional lack of resources, Dan remains steadfast in his commitment. “The work we do might go unnoticed sometimes, but it’s critical,” he says. “Without clean floors, working lights, and ready classrooms, you can’t have education. We’re all part of the same team, working to give these kids the best possible experience.”

For Dan, the rewards come in the form of the relationships he’s built over the years—with teachers, students, and fellow staff members. “The kids are hilarious—they keep things interesting,” he says with a laugh. “And the staff here is like family. We all pitch in to make sure this school is a place we’re proud of.”

As he reflects on his 30-plus years with Byron Schools, Dan is both humble and grateful. “It’s been a good gig,” he says simply. “I’m just happy to play my part in making Byron the special place that it is.”

Dan Wilmarth is proof that the heart of a school isn’t just in its classrooms—it’s in the dedication of the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make learning possible.