Burke County Superintendent Keeps His Job

MORGANTON, NC – A judge has just ruled in favor of David Burleson, the Burke County School’s superintendent who was released from his job by the school board on April 20, 2009.

The ruling means that Mr. Burleson will get to keep his job as Burke County superintendent until his contract expires on June 30, 2010. Burleson has headed Burke County Schools for eight years.

The Burke County School Board voted 5-2 to not renew Burleson’s contract beyond the end of June. Burleson, contended his contract runs through June 2010. The board has not said why it wants to replace Burleson, and the decision has been strongly opposed by many in the community.

During the court hearing today, Burleson’s attorney said his client’s contract is clear, but an attorney representing the board said state law required a June end date for Burleson’s contract.

After the judges ruling, Burleson thanked the people of Burke County for their support and said that he desires his contract to be renewed once it expires next year.