Walt Buster’s career in the superintendency at Clovis Unified School District was filled with achievements. But after he retired, his efforts became legendary. His volunteer tenure as interim superintendent for Fresno USD in 2004-05 established stability and created an action plan that guides the district to this day.
When his six months were up at FUSD, Buster continued to champion excellence in education as director of the Central Valley Educational Leadership Institute. The CVELI, housed at CSU Fresno, helps establish professional learning communities and systemic improvement of student learning.
In addition, Buster has partnered with San Francisco-based Springboard Schools to bring the High School English Language Learner Initiative to 17 schools in the central valley, securing a grant from the Irvine Foundation.
His efforts on behalf of ACSA have enriched the careers of many administrators via trainings for new and aspiring superintendents. His leadership and volunteer efforts continue to benefit others and serves as a model for life after the superintendency.
Buster is the winner of this year’s ACSA Robert E. Kelly Award, sponsored by Bank of America. The award was named for the former Los Angeles USD superintendent who, after retirement, worked with BofA to establish a student achievement awards program in LAUSD.
The Kelly Award honors an ACSA member who has been retired for at least three years and has made significant volunteer contributions to his or her community in that time. BofA gives the recipient $5,000 to continue charitable pursuits.
Buster received his award Nov. 7 at the ACSA Leadership Summit.
“These are tough times,” he said at the awards ceremony. “We need solid leaders. I am privileged to work with all of you. Thank you for choosing to lead.”
Anthony Monreal, deputy superintendent in the Curriculum and Instruction Branch of the California Department of Education, said Buster has been an inspiration to his career.
“I have always been impressed with his straightforward style of discussing honestly what we need to do to improve our service to students, especially those in most need,” Monreal said.
Sandra Carsten, former assistant superintendent in Fresno and now a professional development director for Springboard Schools, said Buster is widely recognized as a driving force for equity and opportunity for all of California’s children.
“Dr. Buster has always understood the importance of a high quality educational system as the driving force in the health of the community; the opportunity this provides for all of its citizens; and the role of leadership in making this happen,” she said.
Carsten remembers Buster’s monumental contribution to the implementation of ACSA’s Leadership Matters! initiatives. “I can think of no other educational leader who better epitomizes the foundational vision of this ACSA effort,” she said.
Fresno County Superintendent Larry Powell said that “because of his credibility as a successful superintendent and as a ‘professional volunteer,’ Dr. Buster has helped to foster a climate of improvement which did not exist prior to his retirement.”
Powell added that “California’s students are so much better off because of his efforts.”
Current Fresno USD Superintendent Michael Hanson said Buster’s contributions to Fresno County’s educational community are unparalleled.
He acknowledged Buster’s role in turning FUSD around through courageous leadership and commissioning the report “Choosing Our Future,” which led to critical improvements in the district, including financial stability and rising student achievement.
“I can think of no other retired educator who has contributed so significantly to our students’ success and the advancement of education in our community, as Walt has done both during his career and his retirement,” Hanson said.