PLEASANT GROVE, Texas — Long before putting on a Dallas Police badge, Darron Burks was serving his community in a different capacity – as a math teacher at Texans Can Academy in Pleasant Grove.
“He was just a great teacher, great person, energy, just great. I can't say anything negative about this young man,” said Principal Tina Shaw.
For almost two decades, room 131 was where Shaw says everyone wanted to be – learning math from an energized Mr. Burks.
“His heart was so pure for our kids,” she said. “His classroom was decorative. His classroom was exciting.”
Texans Can Academy is part of a charter school network for kids who have faced challenges and may need a second or third chance.
“We open doors for kids that have had doors closed in their life for a very long time,” Shaw said. “And we have people like Officer Burks who understand the environment.”
It’s something his co-worker and frat brother Donnis Branch, who started at the academy around the same time, always admired.
“He was always willing to help those who, you know, just couldn't get it or didn't understand. And he would give those students his extra time,” Branch said. “Other than that, he coached basketball. The students love to work with him and work out with him.”
When Burks told staff that God was calling him for something bigger and he was resigning, everyone took it hard.
“I was like, man, I'm losing a friend - a buddy is leaving,” Branch said.
“It was hard, you know, for me to allow him to leave,” Shaw said.
But Burks made sure he was never a stranger. He paid the school a visit just a few weeks ago.
“He gave me a big hug, he went around the school said his goodbyes to everybody for a final time, and then he left,” Shaw said.
Through tears, they said they’re moments they hold close to their hearts, now that he’s gone.
“It’s just been a little hard, its been hard,” Shaw said.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Sept. 7 at Watermark Church in Dallas.