TASA’s “Inspiring Leaders” tagline is not just a reminder of TASA’s commitment to leadership development; it describes our members themselves — school leaders who inspire others as they work to prepare future-ready students. Meet Jeff Burke, one of those Inspiring Leaders.
With 24 years working in public education, Dr. Jeff Burke stepped into the superintendent’s office in Splendora ISD in 2017, ready to foster an educational system that focuses on student engagement via positive relationships and meaningful learning experiences. Truly a future-ready superintendent, Burke is the child of educators and brings passion and enthusiasm to his role.
“I am a product of public schools, and both my parents were public school educators,” Burke says. “I truly believe that one of the greatest gifts we can impart on others is the investment of our time. Helping students find their voice is the whole reason we are here.”
Staff members in Splendora ISD have found Burke’s vision inspiring, and they appreciate the way he makes everyone feel included in the process as well as the results.
“Dr. Burke has revitalized Splendora ISD,” says Brian Kroeger, director of human resources in the district. “Through his initiatives he has brought along a culture of servant leadership, as well as fostering relationships throughout the district that will transform the district from a traditional school district into a district that will be prepared for the future.”
Katie Key, the superintendent’s secretary, agrees that Burke’s influence in the district has been vast and palpable.
“Jeff Burke has turned our entire district around in the short two years he has been here, not only for the students, but for the staff as well,” she says. “His vision and leadership validate me as an employee. He inspires me to be a better person, and his heart for everyone in SISD is as big as Texas.”
Burke is likewise proud of the culture he has inspired in the district and happy to see that dedication reflected in ways beyond standardized test results.
”We focus on building relationships and creating experiences for and with our students to help them realize what they can be and how to make their dreams and passions a reality,” he says. “I’m proud that our people understand the gift they have been given to change lives, and I’m proud of their conviction in embracing this moral imperative.”
Burke’s passion and commitment don’t stop in Splendora. As a TASA leader, he has served on the Texas Public Accountability Consortium and Future-Ready Superintendents Leadership Network, two endeavors he feels are crucial to the success of Texas public education.
“I think it’s critical that we continue to network and learn together as leaders in public education,” he says. “TASA offers us multiple opportunities to do this, and to do it authentically and innovatively.”
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