Aurora Public Schools board selects Michael Giles Jr. as superintendent

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education on Thursday night selected Michael Giles Jr. as the sole finalist to be the district’s next superintendent.

At a special meeting, the board voted 7-0 in favor of Giles, according to an Aurora Public Schools news release. The board will soon meet to plan and vote on a contract.

Board President Debbie Gerkin thanked the community for its engagement throughout the search process.

“Community input and feedback was a critical component in selecting our next leader, and we are thrilled that Mr. Giles embodies many of the leadership traits and competencies that our community identified as priorities,” she stated in the release.

Giles currently serves as assistant superintendent of equity, culture and community engagement for the Cherry Creek School District. He also served that district as assistant superintendent of performance improvement, school counselor, dean of students, assistant principal, principal and executive director.

Prior to his career in public education, Giles worked at a juvenile correction center. Giles earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Colorado Mesa University and a master’s degree in educational counseling from the University of Phoenix.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve the Aurora Public Schools community,” Giles stated in the release. “Throughout my day in the district, I had the opportunity to talk with students, staff, families and community members. What is clear is that we have important work ahead of us and each of us brings a strong passion and commitment to serving this community. I look forward to listening, engaging and working together to truly make Aurora Public Schools the destination school district where students, staff, and community members ‘Power Their Potential.’ ”

Giles’s selection completes a four-month search process. Pending approval and agreement of a contract, Giles will officially begin his role as superintendent on July 1.

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