In a tightly contested race, Democrat Leroy Miles edged Republican Leonard Ingram to win the Dallas County Board of Education District 5 race.

Miles won 58 percent of the vote and received 1,493 votes compared to Ingram’s 1,070 to win Tuesday’s only locally contested race within Dallas County.

“I’m very excited to know that the people in the community feel I’m capable enough to make decisions to help with the school board,” Miles said. “I’m excited that the people have confidence in me that I can represent them.”

Miles, who teaches at Selma High School and serves as the Saints’ head football coach, has been in education for over two decades.

“I think our school boards need some educational representation on these boards — someone in the trenches that is working every day that is aware of the current trends in education as they relate to common course standards,” Miles said. “I just think educational representation is good.”

Ingram, a local businessman, was disappointed in the result but felt both candidates ran a clean campaign.

“I was hoping to [make a difference],” Ingram said. “Having spent 50 years in the county and having the experience that could help and maybe solve some of their problems if I could, but… that’s the way things happen.”

Ingram was thankful to his supporters, who helped him throughout his campaign.

“I want to thank anyone that did go vote for me and the workers that worked for me,” Ingram said. “It’s just hard to overcome the demographics of that district.”

Miles said he has no immediate plans for changes he would like to see in the Dallas County School Board. He said he wants to jump in and help youth in the community where he can.

“I just want to join the team and be able to improve and help get kids college and career ready,” Miles said. “There are no particular plans right off the bat. I just want to continue to support the teachers and do what is best for the kids.”

Miles thanked his supporters but turned his focus towards the future. He said now that the race is complete, he hopes the community can band together to help move the school system into the future.

“The race is over and Leonard and I are friends. We talked several times today,” Miles said. “I just want to let everyone in this district know that I represent a district and not just the people who voted for me. I want to join with them and continue to move this school system forward.”