Burns announces campaign kick-off; public invited

Campaign Press Release

July 15, 2015 3:05 p.m.

Dr. Kathy Knight Burns invites the public to a campaign kick-off on July 21, 2015 at 5:45 p.m. at 10 Acres Kraft Athletic Club, 961023 Buccaneer Trail, Fernandina Beach, FL. Burns is seeking the position of Nassau County School Superintendent, currently held by Dr. John Ruis, who has announced his retirement.

Dr. Burns serves as a member of the School Board of Nassau County School District. She currently teaches outside the county as required by F.S. 112.313(7), (10). She was named Teacher of the Year in 1992, 2008, and 2014.

During Dr. Burns’ tenure on the school board, the Nassau County School District has earned an A grade for 10 of the past 11 years, graduation rates have continued to rise and dropout rates have been among the lowest in the state. She believes that excellence is only achieved through TEAMWORK. The success of students is her TOP Priority.

Kathy Knight Burns was born and raised in Nassau County. She graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1977. She and her husband, George, have been married for 34 years, and have one daughter, Tara. Kathy credits her parents, Floyd and Juanita Knight, for teaching her the important lessons of faith, working hard and lending a helping hand, values that still guide her decisions today. Kathy started working at the age of 13, taking her first job at the Jacksonville Zoo.

After high school graduation, Kathy earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and began her teaching career in Callahan. She was elected to the School Board in 1998. Because the law disallows School Board members from also teaching in Nassau schools, Kathy accepted a job as Executive Director of ARC Nassau, a non-profit agency serving mentally challenged adults. Her leadership and budgeting skills helped turn ARC around financially, and improved the quality of services delivered to adults with disabilities.

Kathy believes it is important to continue improving her knowledge of education and her teaching skills. She has earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, A Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership, and finally a Doctorate Degree in Education.

“There is nothing that motivates me more or brings me greater joy than seeing our children get the best education possible so that they can grow up into successful adults.  That’s why I have dedicated my entire career to education and improving our schools, and that’s also the reason I am running for Superintendent of Schools,” stated Burns.