VISD names Burns as finalist for superintendent position

Tommy Mann, Jr.

VIDOR — The search for a new superintendent appears to be over for one local school district.

The Vidor Independent School District held a specially called meeting of the Board of Trustees Monday night to announce it had chosen a finalist for the position of superintendent, and introduced Dr. Joseph Burns, currently superintendent of the Kirbyville Independent School District, as its choice.

"It was obvious to the school after after the interviews that Dr. Burns was the right person for the job," said Wayne Sonnier, president of Vidor ISD school board. "He met all of the criteria we had and he's familiar with the area."

Burns, 42, is currently in his seventh year as superintendent of Kirbyville ISD. Prior to that he served as superintendent at Hubbard ISD for two years, and was also a principal in Zavalla and Lufkin, and started as a teacher in Jasper.

He graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Bachelors degree in biology in 1993. He earned his Masters degree in secondary education in 1995 and his doctorate in education leadership in 2005, both from SFA. He is married and has four sons in first through eighth-grades.

Sonnier said a total of 17 applicants were considered for the position and that number was reduced to five semi-finalists.

"We interviewed all five candidates and brought Dr. Burns back for a second interview," Sonnier said. "The board all felt he was very the right person for the job after meeting with him."

School board member Mike Quinn concurred with Sonnier.

"I'm highly confident after meeting with Dr. Burns of what is going to happen in Vidor ISD in the future," Quinn said. "His vision of success for our students has given me a high level of optimism that he is the right person for the job."

Following the board's unanimous vote of announcing Burns as the lone finalist for the position, the standing room only crowd in the administration board room gave Burns a standing ovation.

"That's the same response I got in Kirbyville when I told them I was leaving," Burns said jokingly to the crowd which laughed in response. "I look forward to the days ahead and look forward to working the school board and the community and to this opportunity."

According to state regulations, the Vidor ISD school board must wait 21 days before Burns can officially assume the role as superintendent.

Sonnier said no time table has been set for exactly when Burns would begin his duties with Vidor ISD. Although no date has been set, Burns could not contain his excitement of what lies ahead.

"My goal is to make sure teachers have all of the tools they need to be successful and to make the students successful," Burns continued. "There are a lot of similarities to education no matter where you go. My wife and I prayed about this job, and we feel this is where the Lord was leading us. I'm excited to be here and be part of this community."

The position has been vacant since Robert Madding retired in June at the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Willie Hayes has served as interim superintendent since that time.

Tommy Mann Jr. is a reporter for The Orange Leader. He can be reached at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2619 or tmann@orangeleader.com