Roy Herburger is the publisher of the Elk Grove Citizen, the newspaper that serves the city of Elk Grove and the south Sacramento area. He is also the owner of Herburger Publications, a newspaper printing plant. His support for education and Elk Grove schools has resulted in a partnership with the school district and many statewide awards for his education reporting. His 56 years of covering local news with the Elk Grove Citizen coincides with the 56 years of existence of the Elk Grove Unified School District – both began in 1959.

 

Roy Herburger was born in Cambridge, Missouri but was raised in Stratton, Colorado where his parents were involved with printing and publishing. He graduated from Stratton High School in 1948 and the University of Missouri, School of Journalism, in 1953. He then attended the United States Air Force where he graduated from Officer’s Training in 1955. He served in the military until 1957 as a first lieutenant navigator, instructor.

 

When Mr. Herburger took over the Elk Grove Citizen in 1959, he determined that schools and education should be the central theme of his newspapers. In addition to the Citizen, Galt Herald is also under his ownership, so he became a supporter of schools throughout south Sacramento County. Consistently through the years, Mr. Herburger made it very clear that education was the reason he was able to accomplish what he had set forth to do. In his words, he felt that “education held the key to life’s success.”

 

Mr. Herburger has been a supporter of colleges and universities and he worked with a statewide committee to keep journalism as a major in schools. He assisted high schools with the production of their newspapers and taught students how to finance their publications through advertising.

 

A long time community advocate, Mr. Herburger has contributed to the betterment of the entire Sacramento area in his efforts. He was one of the persons responsible for the placement of Cosumnes River College in the south area and has served on the CRC Foundation Board for the past 39 years. He is a supporter of the Los Rios colleges and Delta College as well.

 

Mr. Herburger has been active in statewide publishing groups, and since 1981, he has served on the California Newspapers Publishers Literacy Committee.

The Elk Grove Citizen has won more awards for education than any other newspaper in the state. Much of this has been because of the newspaper’s partnership with the Elk Grove school district. Mr. Herburger was a pioneer with a new form of student publishing when he developed an entire page of the Citizen written by students. Students at James McKee Elementary School were the first to have their own page, the Bear News. The concept was later expanded to include other schools as well. He continually encourages teachers to bring students to tour the production plant and often serves as tour guide himself. He is always looking for ways to interest students in reading and writing.

 

A tireless worker for the passage of local school bonds, Mr. Herburger has personally given his support to these efforts, as well as the support of his newspapers. He has attended almost every meeting of the Elk Grove Unified School District since the district was created in 1959. In addition, he has been an active and enthusiastic advocate of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), athletics and athletes, Home Field Advantage, PTAs, school carnivals and fund raisers, scholastic awards and recognition, and business partnerships. It is in the area of scholarships for students that Mr. Herburger has consistently provided his support and encouragement. He is a key founder of the Elk Grove Community Scholarship Foundation and is involved with several scholarship programs for local youth.

 

Roy Herburger is married to Aurora Herburger, and they live in the Pleasant Grove area. The Herburger children, Leah and Vanessa, consider Sheldon High School their school, but David and Elizabeth are graduates of Elk Grove High School. David Herburger is now the publisher and general manager of the Elk Grove Citizen, and Roy Herburger is the CEO of Herburger Publications.