The Greater Millville Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that its selection as the “Outstanding Citizen” for March 2015 is Steve Burke.
For 40 years, Steve Burke, has worked to provide the best education possible for thousands of Millville children.
“Steve Burke truly believes in serving the community of Millville,” said Shelly Schneider, retired superintendent of schools. “He is the most loyal person I know and respects everyone he meets. His decisions are always made for the best interest of the children.”
Retired Superintendent Larry Miller said, “Steve Burke’s defining contribution to the Millville School System and to all organizations in which he was involved demonstrated a clear ability to recognize potential and productivity of an individual. Steve was often seen in the background, but always in the foreground of decision-making.”
Burke, assistant superintendent of personnel and assessment, is retiring at the end of the school year. He began his career in the Millville school system in 1974 as grades k-8 intramural coordinator and head coach. For four years, he was a health and physical education teacher at Holly Heights and Rieck Avenue elementary schools. For two years, he was district coordinator of summer schools, summer continuing education programs and summer enrichment programs.
His next positions were as principal of Millville Alternative School, vice principal of administration and guidance at Millville Senior High School, principal of Millville Memorial School, and since 1998, he has been in his current position.
“My greatest satisfaction is to see former students become successful,” Burke said. “What I want for my children, I want for our students.”
Steve Burke
About Steve Burke:
“Steve Burke’s defining contribution to the Millville School System and to all organizations in which he was involved demonstrated a clear ability to recognize potential and productivity of an individual. Steve was often seen in the background, but always in the foreground of decision-making.”
- Retired Millville Superintendent Larry Miller
Steve Burke receives his certificate recognizing him as Citizen of the Month from Chamber President Larry Malone during the March luncheon at the NJMP.
Burke also praised the number of “dynamic people” in the Millville school system who care about the students and who serve as volunteers in various community activities.
A strong believer in the importance of community service, Burke credits his parents for being good examples. Burke is president of the Millville Police Athletic League (PAL), a committee member of the Healthier Millville Initiative and a member of the Millville Community Center. He formerly served on the Cumberland County Child Placement Review Board Committee and was a track and field official for the 1980 Special Olympics.
Burke received the “Administrator of the Year” award in 2012 from the Millville Education Association and was named “Outstanding Young Educator/Teacher of the Year” from the Millville Jaycees in 1980.
A graduate of the former Glassboro State College, Burke has a Master of Arts degree in Public School Administration-Elementary and Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education.
Burke and his wife Carolyn, also an educator, live in Glassboro. They have a daughter Kristy, a son Stephen Jr. and a grandson.