Meet Joe
Joe Burgess was born on January 1, 1976 to retired Chief Warrant Officer Five, Joseph Burgess, Jr. and Elizabeth C. Burgess. Mr. Burgess’ father grew up in Mt. Pleasant in Gadsden County Florida and Mr. Burgess’ mom was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Joe’s parents retired in Tallahassee, and Joe’s mother is survived by Joe’s father, who still lives in town. Both of his parents grew up under humble circumstances that provided foundational values and experiences for Joe and his sister.
As a soldier’s child, Mr. Burgess and his family moved every three to four years to installations in the United States and Europe. These included: Baltimore, Maryland - US Army Aberdeen Proving Ground; Worms, Germany – Mannheim Base (where Martin Luther hung his 95 Thesis for the Protestant Reformation); Columbus, Georgia – Ft. Benning; Livorno, Italy (Pisa, Italy [Leaning Tower of Pisa] – Camp Darby, Italy; and Dale City, Virginia – Ft. Belvoir. Joe attended and graduated from C.D. Hylton High School in Dale City, VA where he was captain of the football team, peer mentor, and one of two students selected as an inaugural member of the Principal’s Advisory Council.
In 1994, Mr. Burgess began attending Florida State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science Education in 1998, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 1999. In 1999, Mr. Burgess was hired at Swift Creek Middle School by principal Dr. Alice N. Caswell. While there, Mr. Burgess had the privilege of serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and, later, dean of students while at the school. In 2003, Mr. Burgess was named Swift Creek’s Teacher of the Year, a title chosen by his peers. In all of his roles at Swift Creek, Mr. Burgess prioritized academics in all of his positions, while understanding that extra-curricular activities allowed students an opportunity to express themselves and develop ownership in their studies and school.
In 1994, Mr. Burgess began attending Florida State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science Education in 1998, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 1999. In 1999, Mr. Burgess was hired at Swift Creek Middle School by principal Dr. Alice N. Caswell. While there, Mr. Burgess had the privilege of serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and, later, dean of students while at the school. In 2003, Mr. Burgess was named Swift Creek’s Teacher of the Year, a title chosen by his peers. In all of his roles at Swift Creek, Mr. Burgess prioritized academics in all of his positions, while understanding that extra-curricular activities allowed students an opportunity to express themselves and develop ownership in their studies and school.
In 2005, Mr. Burgess interviewed with Leon County Schools (LCS) Administration and was appointed to Assistant Principal at Chiles High School by then LCS Superintendent Bill Montford. After two years and completion of the LCS Principal Training Level II program, Mr. Burgess interviewed with LCS Administration to be considered for principalship. In 2007, Mr. Burgess was appointed by then LCS Superintendent Jackie Pons as Principal In-Transition of Springwood Elementary, followed by principal in 2008. As principal of Springwood Mr. Burgess was a turnaround principal as he led the school from a “C” to an “A” grade. He was subsequently appointed Principal of Swift Creek Middle School in 2009. Mr. Burgess led Swift Creek to three straight “A” grades but most notable was leading the only school to improve in every category in 2010. In the summer of 2012 Mr. Burgess was appointed Principal of Chiles High School where he has led school to “A” grades and has repeatedly been listed as a school of excellence by the Florida Department of Education.
As principal of Springwood Mr. Burgess was a turnaround principal as he led the school from a “C” to an “A” grade.
He is married to his wife Shannon Burgess, and they have two kids, Alana and Micah. Mrs. Burgess taught in the Gadsden, Leon (Cobb Middle School), Duval, and St. John’s County school systems. She is still a college professor and an analyst for the Florida State House of Representatives. Mr. Burgess’ family is the most essential part of his life, and he is proud to support them as well as have their support for every endeavor he pursues.
When Joe is not supporting his students at evening events at Chiles, he enjoys participating in other community and leadership activities. Joe has served on the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes Big Bend Division, as Co-Coordinator for the LCS United Way Campaign, and as an active member of the Florida Association of School Administration (FASA) and the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals (FASSP). He has served as president and past-president of FASSP, as well as the Northwest Director of FASA. He has served as a principal at every level in K-12 schools during the previous 16 years in his job as principal. This breadth of expertise gives him a broader perspective on how all schools can support our families across K-12. This assures students and parents that we will place a strong emphasis on articulation at all levels of education.
When Joe is not supporting his students at evening events at Chiles, he enjoys participating in other community and leadership activities. Joe has served on the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes Big Bend Division, as Co-Coordinator for the LCS United Way Campaign, and as an active member of the Florida Association of School Administration (FASA) and the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals (FASSP). He has served as president and past-president of FASSP, as well as the Northwest Director of FASA. He has served as a principal at every level in K-12 schools during the previous 16 years in his job as principal. This breadth of expertise gives him a broader perspective on how all schools can support our families across K-12. This assures students and parents that we will place a strong emphasis on articulation at all levels of education.
Joe knows extra-curricular activities allow students an opportunity to express themselves and develop ownership in their studies and school.