KCISD's Burns named Superintendent of Year

Joseph Burns of Kirbyville CISD was named Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) September 29 at the TASB/Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Convention in Dallas. The Superintendent of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize chief administrators who exemplify excellence and achievement in educational leadership. State finalists for the prestigious award included: Sandra Mossman, Clear Creek ISD, ESC 4; Donald J. Stockton, Conroe ISD, ESC 6; Tom Bailey, Olney ISD, ESC 9; and Richard A. Middleton, North East ISD, ESC 20.

The state selection committee, which interviewed all state finalists September 28 in Dallas, focused on such issues as parental involvement, the future of public education, and leadership.

Now in his sixth year as superintendent of Kirbyville CISD, Burns serves approximately 1,500 students. Noted by the committee were his strong belief in the power of public education and the need to instill a sense of hope for the future in every child. Committee members also cited Burns' mantra that you have to believe in children before they learn to believe in themselves.

Active in the community, he serves on the executive board of the Jasper Newton County Habitat for Humanity and is an advisory member of Kirbyville Community Day Care. His memberships also include the Kirbyville Lions Club and Deep East Texas Council of Governments. Burns, who serves on the executive committee of the Texas Association of Community Schools, is a member of TASA, Texas Association of School Business Officials, the Equity Center, and Texas School Public Relations Association. In addition, he serves as membership chair for Region V of the Texas Association of Rural Schools and Texas Association of Mid-Size Schools.

Burns is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, where he earned his bachelor, masters, and doctorate degrees. He has 14 years of experience in school administration.

Superintendent Burns received a $5,000 award for professional development and a Superintendent of the Year ring from Balfour, program sponsor. State finalists each received a $1,000 stipend from Balfour for professional development.

SOTY candidates are chosen for their dedication to improving educational quality, board-superintendent relations, student achievement, and commitment to community support and involvement in public education. Superintendents from any of Texas' 1,033 school districts and county school boards are eligible for nomination by their local boards of trustees.