Willie T. Burroughs | Chief Operations Officer | San Antonio ISD
How did you get your start in school business?
I was employed by ARAMARK in December 2002. The company held a contract with the Houston Independent School District managing its facilities. My title was General Manager. I managed approximately 50 schools of the approximate 300 in their portfolio of schools.
What do you like best about your job and where you work?
I enjoy the variety of work and the difference that the work that I do makes in the lives of some of the most underserved members of our society.
Why do you recommend TASBO to your colleagues? What programs and services do you find useful?
TASBO provides an opportunity for you to continue to grow and hone your skills within an educational environment. It allows for the opportunity to network with some of the best and brightest.
What is your favorite TASBO training to attend and why?
The School Operations Conference is my favorite TASBO training to attend. There are great opportunities to network and leverage the latest advancements in the industry.
What was your childhood dream job?
My dream job as a child was one that allowed me to wear a shirt and tie to work each day. Growing up in rural South Carolina where farming was the primary industry, I didn't often see people of color that held leadership positions within an organization. My dream was to be one that did.
What book could you read over and over again?
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
Tell us a fun fact (or two!) about yourself:
I competed in San Antonio's version of Dancing with The Stars in August 2019. It was hard work preparing for the competition, but it was a lot of fun. It definitely took me out of my comfort zone.
What's one thing you're excited about/looking forward to in the future?
I'm looking forward to my last child to complete his K-12 education in 2025.
If you have your certification or are currently working towards one, tell us what it means to you to be TASBO certified?
I hold the RTSBA certification. Holding a TASBO certification is not only an indication of my commitment to education, it provides a deep understanding of the K-12 environment.
