Face Time With... Steve Balster

SYCAMORE – Whenever Steve Balster is looking for guidance during his job as assistant principal at Sycamore High School, he looks at a picture of his late father for direction.

Balster’s efforts were recognized Nov. 25, when he was presented with the Kishwaukee Division Assistant Principal of the Year Award by the Illinois Principals’ Association during a Sycamore school board meeting. Balster recently spoke with reporter Andrea Azzo about the recognition.

Azzo: How did this all begin?

Balster: Principal Tim Carlson nominated me. The Kishwaukee region included nominees from Kane and DeKalb counties. I found out I won [two weeks ago]. I got an email from the Illinois Principals’ Association.

Azzo: What was your reaction when you found out you won?

Balster: Everyone in education feels they’re doing their job. I feel like this is what I do. I don’t feel like I’m doing anything beyond what everyone else is doing. Then again, it’s nice to be recognized.

I grew up in DeKalb, so my family lives in the area. I knew the community and heard good things about the school and the district. Seven years [at Sycamore High] have flown by. The kids here are great to work with. Parents expect a lot, but at the same time, they really value education. This Sycamore adventure has been a great one.

Azzo: Why do you think you were selected to receive the award?

Balster: My goal is to be out and about as much as possible. Be in the halls, be in the classrooms, talk with students, problem-solve and meet the needs of a variety of different staff and students. Our goal is to make students college and/or career ready.

Azzo: What are some of your responsibilities as assistant principal?

Balster: Teachers’ evaluations, special education meetings, attendance, a little discipline and testing. Another cool thing I do is bring speakers in from the community every Thursday morning.

It’s been beneficial to expose the students to what people do in the community. They all have, no matter what the topic is, a similar message: do your passion, something you like and put in hard work, being able to communicate and being a team player. Some of those characteristics are shared each week no matter what the topic is.

The reason I came to Sycamore was because of my [late] dad, Dr. George Balster, who was a vet at Bethany Animal Hospital. I look at his picture at my office every day. I look to him for answers, even though he’s not here.

• Who would you like to see featured in Face Time, which strives to highlight a special or noteworthy DeKalb County community member each Monday? Let us know at news@daily-chronicle.com.