Unsung Hero: David Burnett
David Burnett has been the Supervisor of Transportation for Lexington City Schools since 1999.
{Contributed photo}
David Burnett bleeds blue and orange.
A 1987 graduate of Lexington Senior High School (LSHS), Burnett was a multi-sport athlete who was a member of LSHS’ back-to-back championship winning football teams in 1985 and 1986. A few years after graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he served in the weapons division. In 1993, the Desert Storm veteran was discharged and returned to the place he loves: his hometown.
Since 1999, Burnett has served as the supervisor of transportation for Lexington City Schools (LCS). Having previously been an exceptional children’s one-on-one teacher and in-school suspension supervisor, Burnett, who was coaching at the time, was asked by former LCS Superintendent Ashley Hinson and other central office administrators to transition into his current position.
“They thought it tied in because I was in the military and was on the flight deck but it really doesn’t,” said Burnett, laughing.
At the time, Burnett was also coaching three sports – football, basketball and golf. To him, the move to the central office made sense. Although he had coached for almost a decade and a half, increasing demands of the job made coaching impossible.
“When I first started, we used to only run routes in the morning and afternoon. Then it became morning, afternoon and a modified day schedule, then morning, afternoon, modified and tutorial in evening. This coming year we’re adding a route from LSHS to Davidson-Davie Community College. The needs keep becoming greater. “
Perhaps no need was greater than the one Burnett has encountered since March 2020 when COVID-19 began to sweep across the nation. As school systems were abruptly shut down, Burnett was tasked with creating a system to deliver meals to LCS students.
Burnett does some reminiscing with LSHS Alumni and Hall of Famers, Joe McIntosh (center) and Cory Holt.
{Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
With a plan in place that included 64 stops throughout the city, Burnett and his team of drivers loaded buses and distributed food every weekday for months. As one of the only school systems that developed this type of arrangement, Burnett is proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish.
“Since March 2020, we’ve transported over 200,000 meals to the community. It was rewarding because we knew we were doing something that was very beneficial not only to the school but the community. It was rewarding to my drivers because they were able to see they were giving back. Don’t get me wrong, they got paid. It was beneficial because they had a job. At the same time, it was important. We knew the importance of what we were doing and it made a difference with all of us.”
As Burnett sat and reflected upon the happenings of the past 14 months, he is quick to acknowledge the role his assistant has played in helping steer the ship.
“We didn’t have enough people so I’ve been driving a bus every day. Mrs. Connie [Stewart] has been a Godsend. For them to put her in there, at this time, I just couldn’t do it all by myself and remember everything. Having someone on the [bus] lot and in the office was gigantic.”
While the transportation staff heard praises from many throughout the pandemic, this isn’t always the case. During times of inclement weather, the complaints from those who aren’t making the decision can range from frustration to anger. However, Burnett noted he’ll always err on the side of safety.
Advertising
“People think it’s always about a bus. Buses are probably 50 percent of that. You must look at where teachers are coming from and kids who walk and drive. I’ve learned it’s better to make up a day than to have one loss or someone get hurt because you tried to have a school day.”
At the end of the year, thanks to an abundance of sick leave, Burnett will be eligible for retirement. As he shared the news noting he doesn’t know when he’ll retire “but he’s getting closer,” LCS Assistant Superintendent Emy Garrett, who was nearby, yelled, “And we don’t know what we’ll do without him! Seriously.”
Garrett also said, “David Burnett is one of the unsung heroes of LCS. He gets our kids to school, he gets them home safely and he does it with a smile. He runs a top-notch department and we would be lost without him.”
Bus driver David Hayes added to Garrett’s sentiments. “I have seen time and time again David work out what seems impossible for the students and staff of LCS.”
When Burnett isn’t in transportation mode, which he admits isn’t very often, he enjoys spending time with his mother, Kay, father, David Sr., and sister, Tyra. Know what else he enjoys? His job and the city where he grew up.
“Being able to finish where I started is really, really nice. It’s always something different daily. I know I’m helping kids. My drivers really do care. When I leave, I want them to be able to say I did everything I could for Lexington. It was a part of my life growing up and it’s dear to my heart. I love Lexington.”
