DISD Travails
Mike Miles announces resignation as Dallas ISD superintendent
Mike Miles has announced his resignation as Dallas ISD superintendent; he'll continue to serve in the role until June 25.
According to The Hub, deputy superintendent Ann Smisko will assume leadership of day-to-day operations as acting superintendent. Dr. Smisko has worked in education for more than 40 years. She has worked in Dallas ISD for the past three years, overseeing both the Dallas ISD School Leadership division and Curriculum and Instruction this past year.
"Ann Smisko is fully capable of managing the day-to-day operations of Dallas ISD and fulfilling the vision of Destination 2020," Miles said in a statement.
Miles outlined his accomplishments since he became superintendent in 2012, as follows:
- Continued implementation of a rigorous principal evaluation system that uses both performance and student results to measure principal effectiveness.
- Implemented the Teacher Excellence Initiative, a pay-for-performance teacher evaluation system.
- Implemented the Distinguished Teacher Review process, which has fundamentally changed how highly effective teachers are identified and assessed.
- Kicked off an initiative to expand the number of public choice schools, with the goal of having 35 by the year 2020.
- Increased the focus on and investment in early childhood programs, which studies show is critical in laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
“While the transformation of a large, urban district takes time, with the support of the Board and the community, we were able to accomplish an incredible amount in just three years,” Miles said.
His tenure at DISD has been fraught with controversy, with some board members voting last month to fire him. There were two years remaining on his contract.
Miles said that he decided he could step aside as superintendent and rejoin his family in Colorado, knowing that the critical foundation and current leadership team are in place to continue Dallas ISD on a positive trajectory. “The team that we have assembled is committed to sustainable, positive change for our students to build an even stronger, better Dallas ISD for this community,” he said.
In his announcement, Miles thanked the board, students, teachers, staff and greater community for their commitment to continuing to improve Dallas ISD.
“It has been a privilege to serve this community and the staff and students of Dallas ISD,” he said. “I will always be grateful for the opportunity that was given to me and the common toil and struggle of a city dedicated to the education of all children and whose best days are still in front of it.”
