2023 RECAP: BURTON ISD SUPT. DR. EDNA KENNEDY
As we move into 2024, KWHI is looking across Washington County and meeting with local officials to review some of the past year’s biggest moments.
speaks at a Leaders in Education Forum held August
4, 2021 at Blinn College in Brenham.
We continue with Burton ISD Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy, who revisited the school district’s big-ticket items in 2023 and gave a glimpse of what to expect in the new year.
By and large, the bond facilities project was – and continues to be – the district’s top priority, but there were other important pieces last year. Some mentioned by Dr. Kennedy include improvements to school safety, like the hiring of a second School Resource Officer, better access control and other added security measures like impact-resistant exterior windows. There was also an emphasis on making more counseling services available.
Dr. Kennedy says the district’s Superior FIRST rating and clean fiscal audit are indicators of its strong financial standing. She adds that the district is fortunate to be able to support most of its programs and staffing through the local tax base, given the lack of resolution thus far in receiving new funding from the state legislature. However, the district is focusing on priorities as much as possible, and she does anticipate the need to tighten up available funds based on those state and federal allowances.
Looking at the bond improvements, Dr. Kennedy says the spring rains last year caused delays, but more consistent progress is being made now with the track and football field. She expects an “aggressive” schedule for the next few months in hopes of getting students in the new classroom building by August. She views the completion of the project as a building block for more positive things to come.
Dr. Kennedy joined Burton ISD as its superintendent in 2015.