Caddo Parish Welcomes New Superintendent Keith Burton
It’s an exciting time for the Caddo Parish School District as they officially welcome their new superintendent, Keith Burton. Just recently, on September 25, the Caddo Parish School Board made the decision by a quick vote, coming in at 9-2, to appoint Burton to lead the district into a promising future. With a hefty 33 years of experience within the Caddo Parish school system, Burton is no stranger to the educational landscape of this community.
A Journey Through Education
Before stepping into this new role, Keith Burton served as the chief academic officer for the district— a position he was appointed to 11 years ago by former superintendent Dr. T. Goree. His deep roots in education can also be traced back to his time as a principal and teacher, making him well-equipped to understand the needs of both students and educators alike. On his first official day in this new role, Burton emphasized, “Every decision that we make from this point forward will be focused on one thing and one thing only. It will be increasing student outcomes from students from all over this district, regardless of their demographic, regardless of their zip code, regardless of their skin color, they deserve the very best that Caddo Parish has to offer.”
Setting the Stage for Improvement
During his address, Burton highlighted five key areas he intends to tackle as he gets settled in. “I am going to be focused on five areas,” he noted. The first on his list is to re-establish personal relations with the communities that make up the school district. “I will begin very soon, meeting one on one with every board member to be able to dialogue about what’s important for them,” he shared.
Building strong relationships isn’t just limited to board members, either. Burton stressed the importance of strengthening connections with principals and teachers— a move he sees as crucial for the district’s success. He commented, “We must involve parents, and we have to involve parents, not just listening to them but asking them to join hands with us and walk with us as we turn this district into what their students need and deserve.”
A Supportive Framework for Schools
Burton is all about getting the most out of Caddo Parish schools, stating, “We will focus on supporting our schools, because nothing else matters unless our principals and teachers have what they need to be successful.” Acknowledging the state’s movement to reduce non-teaching tasks that can distract educators, Burton vows to prioritize what really counts—giving teachers the space and resources to inspire their students.
“We will make sure that we are focusing on what allows them to do what they do best, and that’s teaching and inspiring students,” he explained, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment.
Investing in Early Education
In addition to supporting existing education systems, Burton is committed to emphasizing early-childhood education and literacy—making kindergarten readiness a top priority. As a Smart Start Network leader, he is dedicated to ensuring that foundational skills are reinforced from the very beginning of a student’s educational journey.
A Listening Ear and a Promising Future
Burton expressed a sincere desire to engage the community further. “I am going to stop, I am going to listen, and I am going to learn,” he assured everyone. He understands that to drive the district’s priorities, he needs to fully grasp the community’s needs. Promising the public that, “It will be a new chapter,” Burton is prepared to embark on this journey hand-in-hand with parents, educators, and students alike.
The Caddo Parish School District is in capable hands, and there’s a renewed sense of hope for what lies ahead under Keith Burton’s leadership.
