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Dallas Superintendent Mike Miles: 'I'm Here. I'm Not Going Anywhere.'

Bill Zeeble
/
KERA News

Dallas Superintendent Mike Miles made his first public appearance Tuesday since the critical Coggins report was delivered to school board members last week. That report looked into allegations against Miles and found “cause for dismissal.” Miles seems unfazed by it.

In the annual State of the District address before a crowded Chamber of Commerce lunch, Superintendent Miles said nothing about the investigation even though the report said several of his actions provided “good cause” for dismissal.

“I’m committed to Dallas ISD,” said Miles. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.  The kids need your commitment too. But it is tough and it’s going to be hard, but it’ll be worth it.”

Miles admitted mistakes, but also aid he’s worked well with the board and teachers in the past year to improve the graduation rate and more. He outlined successes to reporters after the lunch.  

“We passed the principal evaluation rubric, we passed breakfast in the classroom, more security for our kids, raises for teachers. That’s working together, and we have to continue that going forward.”

That may not be so easy. Trustees will meet Saturday to discuss the Coggins report in closed session. Firing Miles would take at least five members, and School Board President Eric Cowan says he hasn’t taken a vote count. Some trustee have expressed disappointment in Miles. Others still favor him despite the investigation. Cowan says that’s why trustees will meet Saturday.

“At that time I’ll have a sense of where the board is and how we move forward together. You heard the superintendent say he’s committed to Dallas ISD moving forward next year and it’s up to the board to make that same decision - whether we’re committed to him and his efforts.”

Saturday’s session will be closed and Cowan said the board will not decide on Miles the same day.

Cowan also said the Superintendent’s full, annual evaluation will be held later this month, but a date’s not yet been set. 

Bill Zeeble has been a full-time reporter at KERA since 1992, covering everything from medicine to the Mavericks and education to environmental issues.