An Interview With Bruce Burns, Moraga School District Superintendent

Fourteen years in public school administration could have turned Bruce Burns into a procedural automaton. Instead, the newly appointed Superintendent of Schools in Moraga is bringing open eyes and years of experience to his job.

"I have an opportunity to learn, to meet new people," the 14-year veteran of the Moraga school system says.  Stepping into the position last held by Richard Schafer, who retired after serving more than 10 years, Burns is exuberant, not jaded. "And ultimately, it's orchestrating the direction to reach goals." But that's getting ahead of the story, because first, the district needs a new Strategic Plan.

Most people would experience instantaneous fatigue upon learning the process for defining the strategic plan (let alone implementing it) will take months. Yet Burns blazes with enthusiasm.

"Satisfaction comes from observing how the contributions of staff members impact student education," he says, sounding as if he's just been invited to a festival.

It may be he is pleased to be asked about something other than budgets, but the passion behind the new superintendent's words is unmistakable. He intends to have his strategic plan outlined by January 2011. Implementing its initiatives, he says, will begin immediately.

Whatever shape the plan takes, it will reflect Burns' perspective on education and the role he believes schools should play in the lives of their students.

"Behavior, social interaction, and the attributes that teach our students to be community-minded citizens," he says, ticking off his priorities. Academic rigor, he is quick to point out, is a given.

Burns speaks with strength and conviction about his experiences while principal Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, where his first year followed three years of upheaval. "I saw the results of taking time and not making immediate changes," he says.  "I like to get a lot of input — that's the way I operate.  I may have the authority to make decisions independently, but that's not the way I'm going to do this (strategic plan)."

In the past, districts have invited select community members to be included on planning committees. "I'd like to have more open, unstructured opportunities for the community to get involved," he says. A series of school hall meetings and direct visits to existing community organizations like the Rotary, Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce will help stimulate a public dialogue.

"Sometimes, we (educators) can be quick to dismiss an idea that doesn't fit the mold," Burns admits.  "We benefit from ideas from people outside of educational models and operations."

When it comes to students, Burns believes one of the best ways to achieve success may be an extension of Bridges, the volunteer service program he started at Joaquin Moraga. "It's an example of a model we can expand," he says.  "I don't think any community represents the entire world and what's out there." For that reason, he says, he'd like to send Moraga students out of town and into other communities: all with the goal of stretching their global awareness and intellectual boundaries.

But just as he begins to explore the educational opportunities beyond Moraga, Burns returns to academic earth. He didn't arrive at his current position on a magic carpet and is realistic about the potential challenges ahead – including the possibility of a parcel tax to help subsidize district programs.

Beyond budgets, strategic initiatives and looming taxes, Moraga's new superintendent of schools appeared most uneasy about one factor associated with his promotion.

"The most significant issue will be the lack of face-to-face time with students," he says.

To offset this, Burns says he will count on his own family – Lauren, 13, Abigail, 10, and Alice, his wife of 18 years – to keep him connected. He plans to visit schools regularly and believes his work history as teacher, school principal, lacrosse coach, and former boy scout troop leader – will help guide him.  For inspiration, he will draw from lessons derived from his parents and two particularly dedicated English teachers, who encouraged exploration and an open-minded approach to all things as he entered adulthood – and now helps others do the same.