Communications Chief Jennifer Sprague, hired to fill the position amid controversy over her hefty pay boost last June, has resigned. Sprague — a member of Superintendent Michael Miles’ prior district in Colorado — was appointed to head communications for Miles on his DISD ‘dream team,’ receiving a lukewarm reception from the Dallas community.
Officially announcing her resignation on Friday, January 11, Sprague states her reason for resigning her seven-month-old post, effective Thursday January 17, as being her family and what is best for them. She also said that the position was not for her, career-wise, and that she is looking forward to the next “chapter” in her life. Though she leaves, she affirms her belief in Superintendent Miles as a “great leader” who “knows what he’s doing,” and that she “back[s] him 100 percent.”
In her first District Board Meeting, Sprague unwittingly provided the doubting Board members and opposing community with ammunition against her appointment. When you are in the spotlight in Dallas, it pays to look sharp and come well-prepared. Few care that it is your “debut” in the position; even fewer pause before letting acidic barbs fly.
Sprague joins a list of departing members of the Superintendent’s “dream team” cabinet, headed by Alan King — previous DISD Chief Financial Officer/Interim Acting Superintendent and more recently Miles’ appointed Chief of Staff. Even as she exits, Miles has appointed two new chiefs: Dr. Rene Barajas as Chief Financial Officer and W. Jerome Oberlton as the new Chief of Staff. Alan King returns, yet again, to DISD as temporary chief internal auditor to complete the job begun by LaNita Ray who formerly held that position.
It still goes without saying, the eyes of North Texas will be watching to see how this all plays out.
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