By Jim Hardin
Herald-Banner Staff
Dr. Gene Burton is stepping down after serving the Rockwall Independent School District for 16 years, the last nine as superintendent.
Burton’s resignation was approved Monday night during a regularly scheduled meeting of the school district’s board of trustees. He will continue to serve until June.
“It’s been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve this community,” Burton said during an emotional speech after the board accepted his resignation.
Burton expressed thanks to teachers, administrators, staff members, students, parents, community members and board members.
“I couldn’t have asked for more dedicated, committed and supportive board members to serve with,“ he said. “I have especially been blessed to work with board members who have embraced me with their trust, their confidence, their leadership and most importantly, their friendship. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me personally and professionally.”
He ended his speech on a light note.
“We have a lot of school left between now and June,” Burton said. “I reminded our leadership team today that I’m still calling the shots.”
In a school district news release, Burton said, “The staff, the parents and the community as a whole have always shown me unyielding support and I am forever grateful for all those who have worked side by side with me to help provide meaningful learning opportunities for children.”
Burton, 56, began his Rockwall ISD career in July 1994 as the assistant superintendent of operations. He was promoted to deputy superintendent and then was named superintendent in May 2001.
Before coming to Rockwall, he was a teacher/coach and principal in the Italy Independent School District, a teacher/coach in the Waxahachie Independent School District and superintendent of the Frost and Giddings school districts.
Even though the school district accepted the resignation, this, in effect, is Burton’s retirement from education, according to Sheri Fowler, school district spokesperson. His annual salary is $325,000.
Craig Zurek, president of the board of trustees, said the job opening will be posted as soon as possible.
“We expect to be able to name our intended replacement for Dr. Burton as early as February so that our next superintendent of schools will have the opportunity to be on staff as early as mid-March,” Zurek said in a news release.
“We want to give the new superintendent the opportunity to use the remainder of this school year to establish , in conjunction with the board, the goals and plans for the district for the 2010-2011 school year and beyond while Dr. Burton is still on board.”
Under Burton’s leadership, Zurek said in the news release, “our school district has grown and developed to where it is today, one of the most respected and admired districts in Texas.”
“RISD is now a standard bearer in education, in the safety and health of our students and staff, in fiscal responsibility, and in teaching our children the value of care and compassion,” Zurek said. “Thanks in great part to his vision and oversight, our schools give every child who attends an opportunity to access an education that will prepare them to be leaders in the 21st century. Dr. Burton will be missed for all that he and his vast skills have brought to our schools, to our children and to our community.”
The school district news release stated that Burton, as superintendent, has played an integral part in shaping the school district.
Following are some of his major accomplishments that were highlighted in the news release:
• He executed the 2001 bond program which totaled almost $139.2 million and included the construction of Rockwall-Heath High School. During this time, he worked with students, staff, parents and the community to help RISD make a smooth transition into a multiple high school district.
• He has guided the development of the first elementary Rachel’s Challenge program in the nation. RISD is now the model district for a comprehensive kindergarten through 12th grade Rachel’s Challenge initiative, a kindness and compassion program that takes a proactive approach to school safety.
• In 2004, he participated in the development of the RISD Education Foundation Inc, with the purpose of awarding innovative teaching grants for the classroom.
• He provided oversight for the development and implementation bond programs totaling almost $62.6 million in 2006 and almost $198.2 million in 2007. The programs have included new schools, additions, renovations, infrastructure and technology upgrades at every campus, as well as a new aquatic center, a new middle school, a renovated football stadium, two new performing arts facilities and major additions at both high schools.
He recently participated with 34 other superintendents in several brainstorming sessions that produced a report called, Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas. These district leaders created the document to serve as a framework for conversation about a preferred course for 21st century education.
Even though Burton’s plans for the future are undecided, they will include spending time with his wife, Julie; his daughter, Cecilia, and her husband, Jesse; and his first grandchild, Liliana Faith. Burton’s wife recently retired as director of personnel for the Highland Park Independent School District.
