Joseph Burgess

Mr. Joseph L. Burgess earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education in 1998 and Master’s in Educational Leadership in 1999 from The Florida State University. Before ascending to current role as principal, Mr. Burgess was a teacher, coach, and athletic director and dean. Mr. Burgess was appointed Athletic Director in 2000 and subsequently Dean of Students in 2004 at Swift Creek Middle School. In 2005, Mr. Burgess was appointed to Assistant Principal at Chiles High School. Mr. Burgess became principal of Springwood Elementary in 2007, Swift Creek Middle School in 2009, and currently serves as principal of Chiles High School since 2012. Mr. Burgess is on the Board of Directors for the Big Bend Division of the March of Dimes, Co-Coordinator for Leon County Schools United Way Campaign, and President-Elect for the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals (FASSP). He has previously served as President-Elect, President and Past President for FASSP and board member for FASA. He is married to his wife Shannon Burgess and they have two kids, Alana and Micah. Most recently in 2024, he was a candidate for Leon County Superintendent.