Board Experience & Accomplishments

Barbara Burns has demonstrated an extensive commitment to educational leadership and advocacy since her election in 2012. She has held the office of vice-president for three terms and has been repeatedly entrusted with the presidency of the school board, serving four terms in that capacity. Her leadership skills were further recognized when she became a Master Trustee after participating in the 2015 Leadership TASB class. This role signifies her dedication to advancing governance excellence within the Texas educational system. The board’s work was notably acknowledged when it was named the School Board of the Year by the Texas Computer Education Association for her active promotion of technology in education.

Beyond her leadership roles, Barbara Burns has been actively involved with several educational boards and associations, including Texas Area Association of School Boards (TASB), North Texas Area Association of School Boards (NTAASB), Mexican-American School Board Association (MASBA), and School Board Advocacy Network (SBAN), where she has participated in various state and national conventions, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and advocacy in educational governance. Her involvement is not limited to administrative functions; she is deeply integrated into the community, engaging in school activities ranging from literacy programs and arts to STEM and cultural events. She has also been recognized for her service to the community by attending city council meetings, educational conferences, and school dedications, and by being a supportive presence at significant student and educator events throughout the district.

On the Board

  • Elected in 2012
  • Vice-President (2014-15; 2022-23; 2023-24)
  • Secretary (2018-19)
  • President (2015-16; 2016-17; 2019-2020; 2020-2021)
  • Master Trustee (2015 Leadership TASB  [Texas Association of School Boards] class)
  • Board:  TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) School Board of the Year for recognizing the importance of technology in the teaching and learning process and actively promoting the use of technology throughout the district
  • Region 11 School Board of the Year for 2019

Memberships

  • TASB (Texas Association of School Boards)
  • Attendee at the Summer Leadership Institute
  • Attendee at the TASB state convention
  • Attendee at the NSBA (National School Boards Association) convention
  • Attendee at the first  XG (Exceptional Governance) conference (2017)
  • Attendee at NSBA Advocacy Institute
  • Past member of LAC (Legislative Action Committee)
  • Top School Board, Region 11 for 2019
  • Co-presenter and facilitator at conferences

In Schools

  • Listening tours at campuses to hear from teachers
  • Readers’ Café for first grade students working to improve their literacy
  • Sports, theater, fine arts, choir, band, and orchestra events.
  • Black History Month programs
  • STEM program
  • Annual retirement receptions
  • Teacher of the Year receptions
  • School dedications (Bettye Myers Middle School, Adkins Elementary, Bell Elementary, Braswell High School, Carrico Complex, Rodriguez Middle School)
  • Greeter for first day of school at campuses
  • Visitor at truancy court involving DISD students