Dr. Heath Burns brings to Abilene ISD a stellar record of success, proven leadership and a genuine love for kids. His energy, enthusiasm and passion are characteristics that will catapult this district to even greater levels of success. Dr. Burns will bring focus and attention to areas needing improvement and will continue to build on the successes and achievements that AISD has enjoyed over the last several years.
Heath Burns grew up in Mont Belvieu, Texas, and graduated from Barbers Hill High School. He attended and graduated from Lamar University with a bachelor's degree with certifications in English, Speech, Physical Education and Special Education. He obtained his master's degree in mid-management, also from Lamar University. He then completed his Doctorate in Education (Educational Leadership) at Sam Houston State University.
His professional career began in the classroom as he taught at Lamar University, Port Neches-Grove High School and Tomball High School. His administrative career started at Assumption Catholic School where he served as Principal and then continued as Principal in the Livingston ISD. He left Livingston to become Superintendent of Schools at Anderson-Shiro (enrollment 600) where he served for four years before being hired by Angleton ISD (enrollment 6,400) in 2004.
During his tenure at Angleton, Dr. Burns led the district and achieved tremendous academic growth and helped them achieve academic elite status (one of the largest diverse recognized districts in the state), led a faculty and staff of over 800 employees, managed a budget that exceeded $40 million, implemented many successful programmatic and curricular improvements, and helped pass a $140 million bond issue and related facility improvement programs.
Dr. Burns has been nominated for Superintendent of the Year three times in separate educational service regions near the Houston area. He has been recognized and received numerous commendations and awards from his alma mater, Lamar University, as well as from various professional associations he has served since becoming an educator. Dr. Burns continues to write articles and make presentations to various leadership and educational groups throughout the state of Texas.
Dr. Burns and his wife, Cherie, a teacher, are the proud parents of two sets of twins: Eli and Emma and Gabe and Grant. All four children attend Thomas Elementary School.
