Kenneth Burnley Obituary

Dr. Kenneth Stephen Burnley, 69, Superintendent, Matanuska-Susitna School District, born April 20, 1942, died July 2, 2011 at Alaska Regional Medical Center, of complications from double knee replacement surgery. He was baptized at an early age and received his Christian education at Ebenezer AME (Detroit, MI) under Reverend Hubert Robinson. Dr. Burnley is a 1960 Mumford High School graduate. He received three higher education degrees from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He served education in various capacities as a teacher to superintendent. He reached national acclaim as the recipient of the 1993 Colorado and National Superintendent of the Year Award from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). In addition, he was recognized by various organizations for his leadership and humanitarian efforts. Some of the highlights of his career were being a member of the US Secretary of Education's Advisory Committee on Administrative Regulations prior to the implementation of the 2002 "No Child Left Behind Act"; and being a member of the US delegations of Superintendents to Israel, China and Taiwan. He had the gift of uniting people together within the community. In every school district he served, Dr. Burnley wanted the best for all students. He desired to make each school district a model in the nation to show what can be achieved for our youth. When times got tough, he would go into the schools and spend time with the kids. It rejuvenated him and made him work harder to achieve success. As he reflected on his career, the common thread through all of his positions was to unite people of different backgrounds around common principles for education. Dr. Burnley was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Kippling Burnley; mother, Audrey Marietta Stevens Burnley; brother, Bryan Burnley; and nephew Damian Burnley. Survivors include wife, Eileen Burnley; brothers, Michael and Dennis Burnley (wife Brenda); Daughter, Traci Burnley; son, Trevor Burnley (wife Robin), Marlon Thomas (wife Shawn); three grandchildren Jonathan Burnley, Tyler Burnley and Justin Thomas; and many nieces, nephews, and friends throughout the world. Dr. Burnley loved and supported his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Kenneth Stephen Burnley Memorial Fund, for collegiate and vocational education scholarships, for students of Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, Detroit Public Schools and Colorado Springs School District 11. Donations may be made at www.ksbfoundation.org or through Wells Fargo Bank (memorial donations). A memorial service to celebrate the life of former Colorado Springs School District 11 (D-11) Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Stephen Burnley will be held in Colorado Springs on Friday, August 12 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Avenue.