Howard Burnett, Prince George's schools leader dies

Howard Burnett's death

Howard Burnett, Prince George's County schools leader, died at 73 from cancer on October 28, 2026.

Howard Burnett's early life

Howard Burnett was born December 15, 1952, the third of four children in Riggs Park, a Northeast D.C. neighborhood.

Howard Burnett's faith

At age 7, Howard believed God spoke to him and told him to walk daily, leading to six weeks of church attendance.

Howard Burnett's education

Howard attended Howard University and District of Columbia Teachers College, choosing the latter for affordability.

Howard Burnett's military service

Howard served in the U.S. Army Reserve for over 20 years after graduating from college.

Howard Burnett's teaching career

Howard started as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in Prince George's County and worked his way up to interim CEO.

Howard Burnett's leadership

During Monica Goldson's tenure as CEO, Howard helped negotiate union contracts and secured retroactive pay for school staff.

Howard Burnett's family

Howard had four children with his first wife and took in three more children after meeting his wife, Gloria Brown Burnett.

Howard Burnett's advice

Howard told Tiffany Turner-Allen, a nonprofit head, that she didn't have to compromise being a mother to be an executive director.

“You don’t have to compromise being a mother to be the executive director of this organization. You are a mom first, and don’t ever feel like you have to make apologies for that.”

Howard Burnett's legacy

Howard's loved ones say he brought a levelheaded, compassionate perspective to almost any setting and developed leaders in education and county government.