A special meeting on Saturday at the Dallas Independent School District Headquarters lasted nearly five hours as the Board of Trustees discussed the results of the investigation regarding Superintendent Mike Miles.
Board President Eric Cowan didn't say much about the findings conducted by former U.S. Attorney Paul Coggins.
"It was thorough and complete. We'll talk about it today," said Cowan as he entered the meeting.
Coggins' investigation showed that Miles helped a former assistant write a resignation letter that spoke negatively of board members. It also revealed that Miles violated board policy and the terms of his contract by talking with certain school officials during the investigation.
Board member Nancy Bingham said she has had enough of the drama. "This board needs to support the superintendent and the changes that he's trying to do keeping in mind that what the true focus is that we want to educate children," she said. "We've got to put the adult issues aside."
After discussing whether or not to hold the meeting in public, a decision was made despite opposition. "We will be using this room in closed session," said Cowan. "Thank you. I'm asking for the room to be cleared."
Protesters continued their demonstrations outside.
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"We're urging the board to fire him just as he has so impetuously fired or bullied into resigning the principals and teachers of this district," said Dallas resident and minister Jeffrey Muhammad.
While Cowan said there are strong opinions on both sides of the matter, those outside had only one agenda.
"We plan to stay here until we run Mike Miles out of town," said Dallas community activist Joyce Foreman. "And if the board can't do their job, then we need to organize to run them out of office."
No decision has been made during the meeting. Cowan said the next step is to meet with Superintendent Miles on Thursday for another closed door session.
