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The Board of Education voted 5-2 on May 22 to offer Miller the job. Miller and the other finalist, Matthew Drake were praised as fitting the criteria to replace retiring superintendent Dr. Chuck Smith.

Board members Michelle Shell and Suzette Wagner strongly argued in favor of appointing Drake, current Capac Middle School principal.

However, Miller got the nod based on his prior experience with contract negotiations and school finance.

"We need a superintendent who can address our needs right now," said board member John Sprowl. "Miller was on a team that successfully cut $1.75 million from his budget."

Miller also has had a recent successful experience in the East China School District while using interest-based bargaining with union groups.

The Cros-Lex district is currently bargaining with three of its union groups: Teachers, aides and secretaries, and the teamsters union.

Wages and benefits comprise about 84 percent of the school district's annual budget.

"We need someone experienced in bargaining and finance," said Sprowl, himself a retired Cros-Lex teacher. "Obviously, I think you know who I support."

Wagner, who supported Drake, said candidates' bargaining skills weren't part of the outlined criteria.

Shell said she s upported Drake because community involvement was an important part of the criteria and he already lives in the community. While emphasizing that wasn't her only reason to back Drake, she felt it was an important one.

Board President Jeffery Studaker agreed that, based on last week's site visits to both candidates' districts, both are well-liked by their co-workers and the community.

"But in these financial times, we need somebody who can lead us through this," he said. "These aren't fun times ahead of us. Miller has dealt with a bigger school. He has more kids in his middle school than we have in our high school."

Miller has an associate's degree in communication arts from St. Clair County Community College; a bachelor's degree in management of human resources from Bethel College, Mishawaka, IN; a master's degree in education from Wayne State University; and advanced degrees in curriculum, instruction and technology, and leadership.

Following the vote that favored Miller, Studaker added, "This has been one tough and agonizing decision for the school board. It is time now to put all feelings behind us and back the new person one hundred percent."

The school board's budget and finance committee is scheduled to meet May 24 to discuss Miller's contract.

Dr. Smith told the board he will be willing to help the new superintendent during the transition.

A reception to honor Smith at the time of his retirement was set for Wed., June 6 in the Middle School Media Center.