2855 Colonial Blvd • Fort Myers, FL 33966
Phone: 239.334.1102 • TTD/TTY: 239.335.1512
Our Vision: To be a world-class school system
Superintendent
Joseph Burke, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Lee County Public Education Center
2855 Colonial Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33966
Terry Wood, Executive Secretary
Phone: (239) 337-8301
Office Fax: (239) 337-8378 and (239) 335-1406
Joseph Burke, Ed.D.
Watch the Superintendent take the Oath of Office
The opportunity to serve as Superintendent of Lee County Public Schools is an exciting, once in a lifetime prospect. The Lee County Schools have become established leaders in the state and the nation in meeting high standards for students and staff. I would hope to capitalize on the established foundations and move the district to the next level of excellence in serving the diverse needs of the Lee County communities.
Education:
- ED.D Educational Leadership, Nova University, January 1992
- M.S. Educational Administration, Florida International University, June 1976
- B.A. Philosophy/History, College of the Holy Cross, June 1973
Publications:
- Doctoral Practicum "Reducing the Number of At-Risk Students in Region V Secondary Schools, Dade County, Florida"
- Doctoral Practicum "Improving Mathematics Performance of Eighth Grade Students At Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Dade County, Florida"
Employment History:
August 2009 - July 2011
Superintendent - Monroe County School District
Appointed by Governor of Florida in August, 2009.
Significant Achievements:
- Established a system of accountability (including performance-based evaluation;
- Aligned the organization to build capacity for emphasis on student learning and system accountability.
- Implemented teaching and learning strategies which improved student achievement in critical areas such as:
- Increased college readiness;
- Decreased achievement gap, especially for Hispanic students;
- Increased graduation rate;
- Increased advanced placement enrollment (35%);
- Improved school grades.
- Collaborated with all sectors of the community to improve transparency and communication, reestablish public confidence, and develop support for school and district initiatives.
- Secured $36 million in ARRA capital funds to build a new K-8 school facility at a net negative interest rate.
- Improved district funding through procurement of national and state grants such as:
- One of first eleven districts in Florida to receive full approval and funding of Race to the Top grant;
- Only small district in Florida to secure a Teaching American History grant from USDOE;
- Successful 13 grant from USDOE for Monroe County, Highlands County and Broward County to enhance Take Stock in Children activities.
August 27, 2008 - August 22, 2009
Region Executive Director, Florida Department of Education, Region 3
Major Responsibilities:
- Implementation of Florida's Differentiated Accountability Model; Review and approval of School Improvement Plans for lowest performing schools; Technical assistance and institutional support for 10 school districts in Central Florida
June 4, 2001 - June 30, 2008
Superintendent of Schools, Springfield, MA
Several major accomplishments are significant to cite as part of the Culture of Achievement theme of this superintendency:
- Successful negotiation of innovative performance-based contract with teachers and administrators.
- Steadily improving scores on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests;
- Specific improvements in achievement of African American and Latino students;
- Development and implementation of systemic curriculum initiatives: Reading Plan, Mathematics and Science Plan, English Language Learners Plan, Pupil Progression Plan, and Comprehensive Guidance Plan;
- Acquisition of the competitive Wallace Foundation L.E.A.D grant, and documented progress on leadership development benchmarks;
- Development and implementation of a citywide "campaign for proficiency" with broad-based stakeholder engagement and significant private and foundation funding (Step Up Springfield).
July 1997 - June 1, 2001
Administrative Director, Division of Mathematics and Science, Dade County Public Schools
- Major responsibilities - development of district-wide policies and curriculum in mathematics and science; Professional development related to Math and Science education; Implementation of NSF-funded Urban Systemic Initiative.
July, 1996 - July, 1997
Region Director, Personnel and Labor Relations, Region V, Dade County Public Schools
- Major responsibilities - Personnel procedures/practices and contract management for 58 schools (secondary and elementary), approximately 62,000 students. Line supervisor for 25 schools (secondary and elementary) Killian Feeder Pattern/Palmetto Feeder Pattern
November, 1993 - July, 1996
Region Director, Personnel and Labor Relations, Region II, Dade County Public Schools
- Major responsibilities - Personnel procedures/practices and contract management for 38 schools (secondary and elementary), approximately 47,000 students. Line supervisor for 19 schools (secondary and elementary) Norland Feeder Pattern/Miami Beach Feeder Pattern
Professional Activities:
2009 - Present
Monroe County Education Foundation - Board of Directors
2009 - Present
United Way of Monroe County - Advisory Council
2009 - Present
Leadership Policy Advisory Council on Assessment and Accountability - appointed by Education Commissioner
2009 - Present
Committee Member - American Cancer Society Annual Gala
2004-2008
Board of Directors, United Way of Pioneer Valley - Audit Committee
2002-2008
Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, Public Leadership Series
2002-2008
Board of Directors, Jr. Achievement of Western MA
2003-2008
Advisory Board - Mass Business Alliance for Education
2002-2008
Board of Directors, National Conference for Community and Justice of Western MA
2002-2008
Board of Directors, Regional Employment Board of Western Mass.
2001-2005
Executive Committee, USP Superintendent's Coalition
1993-2000
Adjunct Professor - Nova/Southeastern University, Masters Degree Program Courses taught:
- Organization and Management of Schools
- School Budgeting and Finance
- School Leadership
Awards:
2006 - President's Award, Massachusetts Assn of School Superintendents (For Outstanding Contribution to Public Education)
April 14, 2004 - Distinguished Academic Outreach Award - University of Massachusetts

Phone: 239-334-1102 • TTD/TTY: 239-335-1512