Garner
Elementary School
Hero
Meet Our Principal
Hello and welcome! My name is Travis Dyer, and I am incredibly grateful to serve as the principal of Garner Elementary. It is a privilege to lead such a vibrant, caring, and dedicated school community. One that is centered on students and built on strong partnerships with families and staff.
At Garner, we believe in creating an environment where love and compassion are at the core. Relationships matter deeply, and I am a firm believer in the power of connection, community, and restorative practices to support both growth and belonging.
My focus as a leader is simple: to ensure every child is known, supported, and challenged to be their very best. We do this by listening closely to what students need, using data to guide our work, and developing systems that are both responsive and equitable. I also believe that when educators and families are well-supported, students benefit most and I’m committed to showing up daily for all members of our community.
Garner is a truly special place, and I’m lucky to be a part of it.
We say it often, and we mean it:
Every child. Every day. Deserves the finest, greatest, best.
I look forward to a wonderful year together.
Take care,
Travis Dyer, Principal
Our School
About Garner Elementary
Garner Elementary is located in North Liberty, Iowa, and first opened its doors in 2009. Since then, our building has continued to grow and evolve to better support our students and enhance school safety.One of the most significant additions to our campus was the expansion on the northeast side of the building, which created new spaces for music, art, and band/orchestra lessons. This not only enriched our fine arts programming but also opened up much-needed space for students and staff throughout the building. Updates to our front office and cafeteria were also made, with a focus on improving safety and functionality. These renovations included a more secure entryway and added office spaces such as a conference room, lactation room, and a larger staff lounge. All of which have positively impacted our daily operations and school environment.
In the 24–25 school year, we began developing an outdoor classroom and prairie area on the north end of our school grounds. This growing space will provide opportunities for students to explore nature and for staff to incorporate outdoor learning when it makes sense, connecting our students to the environment and expanding where learning can happen.
At Garner, we are also fortunate to have a supportive and dedicated PTO that helps build and maintain our strong sense of community. They host numerous events throughout the year and are always looking for ways to enhance our school for students and families. Their generosity and collaboration make a lasting impact.
Garner is a special place, and we are incredibly lucky to have such amazing students, families, and staff. Together, we make Garner a great place to learn and grow!
A brief biography of Buford Garner...
Buford Garner received his B.A. from Northwest Missouri State University, and his M.A. from the University of Kansas City. Buford Garner held several teaching and administrative positions in Missouri before moving to Iowa City in 1950 to become principal of City High School. From 1952-1969, he was the Superintendent of Schools in Iowa City. He continued his educational administration career at the State Department of Public Instruction in Des Moines, Grinnell Public Schools, and Area Education Agency #16 (now Great Prairie AEA) in Fort Madison before retirement in 1981.
Notable awards and recognition he received were an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, IA in 1978, a Distinguished Alumni Award from Northwest Missouri State University in 1980, and induction into the City High Hall of Fame in 2000. Mr. Garner was an avid sports enthusiast, community volunteer, and traveler.
Buford Garner believed the every school should have a library and children should have access to learning through books.