Caddo Parish Welcomes New Superintendent with Open Arms and a Smile
In the vibrant city of Caddo, a familiar face is gearing up to lead the charge in education as the new superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools. Keith Burton is stepping into this major role with a passion for learning and an infectious enthusiasm that promises to benefit the schools and the community as a whole.
A Friendly Beginning
On his very first day, Keith decided to make a bold impression. With over a thousand students eagerly watching and parents scrutinizing his every move, he stood at a bustling corner of traffic, waving and greeting everyone on their way to drop off kids. His statement was clear: “I believe in modeling what’s important. If I’m asking teachers to be out there, I need to be out there too!” This engaging approach kicked off his tenure on a positive note, as he received cheers and waves from the crowd. That was until a buddy drove by and humorously pointed out, “Burton, zip up your pants!” Talk about starting things off with a chuckle!
A Journey Rooted in Education
Over lunch at the Magnolia Pit, where delectable BBQ reigns, Keith shared a bit more about his story. Growing up in the small town of Minden, he had a childhood filled with values of education and hard work. “School has always been the best of everything for me. It’s where friendships are forged and mentors arise,” he reminisced with a smile.
Being raised by a school teacher mother certainly had its perks and downfalls. Keith confessed, “I might have gotten a ride in with her, but I couldn’t get away with anything!” This upbringing instilled a strong sense of the importance of education, as grades were no joke in his household. “Anything lower than a ‘C’ meant trouble,” he added.
Choices and Changes
After high school, this go-getter wasn’t quite sure what path to take. He initially chose to dive into accounting but soon realized that money alone wouldn’t make him happy. “I thought I’d need this job for a paycheck, but I craved joy and passion in my work.” So, he switched gears, finding his way back to the classroom and eventually earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
A Family Affair
Fate stepped in when he met a lovely classmate named Tina, who would eventually become his wife. Their love story began in a genetics class, of all places, where a fainting spell led to a sweet lunch date. Fast forward 34 years and they’re still going strong, with three children, all involved in education, following in their father’s footsteps.
Leading with Compassion
Keith’s career has been a gradual climb through the educational ranks, where he has worn many hats—from teacher to principal to chief academic officer. Along the way, he officiated basketball and football games, learning that life lessons often happen off the chalkboard. “It’s all about teamwork and discipline,” he pointed out, recognizing the skills young people develop in sports are just as crucial as those learned in the classroom.
A Mission-Driven Leader
Transitioning into the superintendent role was not a quick or simple task. Keith faced a lengthy selection process but leaned on his faith during the wait. He believes that “education is the great equalizer,” providing opportunities that allow individuals to shape their own lives rather than being defined by circumstances.
What’s Next for Caddo Parish Schools?
With the responsibility of overseeing the education of around 37,000 students and leading over 5,000 employees, Keith is undeniably in deep waters. But if his past is any indication, he knows just how to prioritize what truly matters. “Keep your priorities aligned around faith, family, and education, and the rest will fall into place,” he advises.
In Conclusion
As he embarks on this new journey, one thing is certain: Caddo Parish has found a leader who not only knows the importance of education but embodies it every step of the way. And, most importantly, he reminds us to always remember to zip up our pants!
