Caddo School Board Names New Superintendent on 9-2 Vote

SHREVEPORT, LA – The Caddo School Board has agreed to hire Keith Burton to be the next leader for the local school system.

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Burton was the lone contender to be interviewed by the Board. He currently serves as Chief Academic Officer for Caddo Schools.

Contract with Keith Burton to be Superintendent of Caddo Schools calls for a salary of $255,000 with a 2% increase per year. This is a 3-year contract that begins on October 1, 2024.

This contract also includes $25,000 in incentives in performance goals.

This contract also has a performance bonus connected with it provided that he meets the goals that are provided for in improving schools. This contract bonus calls on Burton to show growth in math scores for 3^rd graders and improvement in 3^rd grade literacy.

Board member Don Little asked questions about why the base salary is so high. He pointed out that “the starting point for him was $138,000 so this is nearly double that amount. I would like to understand how we decided on this amount.”

Attorney Reg Abrams told the Board this salary was not based on what Burton currently makes which is $138,000. It was based upon what the Superintendent’s salary is. This is based on salaries made by Superintendents from around this region.

Abrams did say most contracts in Caddo Parish have been for 3 years. He says we have not done a 4-year contract for a Superintendent to his knowledge. He says Burton requested a 4-year contract.

When Dr. Lamar Goree left Caddo Parish earlier this year, his salary was $281,000.

During the initial vote on Burton, the Board voted 9-2 to offer Burton the job. Dr. Bonita Douzart was not present during the vote. Dr. Terence Vinson and Darrin Dixon voted against hiring Burton.