Dr. Burns became Superintendent of Schools for Copperas Cove ISD on June 4, 2012. In this capacity, Dr. Burns shall act as the educational leader, chief executive officer and chief administrator of the District and shall have charge of the administration of the schools of the District under the direction, supervision and authority of the School Board.

Before coming to CCISD, Dr. Burns was a teacher and principal in Jasper, Lufkin, and Zavalla school districts. Dr. Burns also served as superintendent of schools in Hubbard ISD, and Kirbyville CISD where he was named the 2007 Superintendent of the Year for the State of Texas. In March 2009, he became the superintendent of schools for Vidor ISD, a position he held until joining CCISD in June 2012. Dr. Burns is a graduate of Elkhart Junior-Senior High School in Elkhart, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology as well as a Master's in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Dr. Burns currently serves as a member of the Equity Center, the Texas Association of School Business Officials, and is a membership chairman for the Texas Association of Mid-Sized Schools, among others.

Dr. Burns and his wife Cheryl have four sons, Ethan, Caleb, Joshua and Daniel. All four are CCISD graduates and either hold or are pursuing college degrees.