African American Superintendent Mike Miles Steps Down!
My Day – Mike Miles: Not a Dallas Favorite
By Dr. J. Ester Davis
What was it that made the Dallas Independent School District(DISD) superintendent’s resignation so popular among the citizens of Dallas and beyond? How is it that one person, in such a short period of time, could ignite this much glee and happiness by giving his job up. Why did he not get along with the community in a large inner city southern school district? When did he realize that something was wrong? In a survey, the consensus was simple. The community loudly resounded and is still waging in that “this superintendent was not a good fix for Dallas and our children”.
The DISD Superintendent, Mike Miles, resigned from his post on Tuesday, June 24, 2015. Immediately after his announcement of same scores of opinions, thoughts and ‘good riddance’ voluntarily came in.
Some citizens in the beginning were full of hope and expectation. But as time progressed they “saw it coming to an untasteful end”.
Surveys and polls are powerful tools. They govern a major part of our daily lives. They are respected and highly regarded because they set the tone for the future, they influence our buying habits, and they make or break political careers. We, as a people, quote them to our friends and families. Companies do not place a product on the market without a poll at one mall, a survey in another, and sharing the results with responsible media all around them. With social media now at the forefront, these opinions could follow you through a lifetime. What I like about surveys is that there is always an opinion, some nonchalant, some over-the-top with outlandish messages, some noisy, some indifferent. But, for sure a response.
Dallas has been a city high on and passionate about education, because our children are our greatest asset and still our hopes for tomorrows. Despite uncomfortable times in our spaces as a nation, we hold true to this constant; that , education holds the key to our goals and sacrifice. Some of the people I talked with went back to the days of “Papa Bear” , (Mr. Lewis, Principal) Mr. Thomas Tolbert and Mama Mable Chandler. While these were not administrators, they were victorious teachers who instill character in their students and these former products of DISD are keeping a close eye on their school district. The younger generation I polled are expressing disappointment in the administration and the future of students with thoughts of ‘where is the dedication, the image and the commitment’.
Mr. Miles . . we wish you well in your next endeavor.
Ester Davis can be reached at
www.esterday.com.
