A cheerleading coach previously accused of inappropriate conduct with a minor has now been fired from a role coaching high schoolers in Lexington.
In a statement to WGLT, Lexington Community Unit School District 7 superintendent Paul Deters said Andrew "Drew" Miller assisted the Lexington-Ridgeview cheer program as a volunteer beginning in 2024.
WGLT confirmed the district placed Miller on leave Tuesday when it learned he was under investigation by Bloomington Police. A statement from the district, echoed in communications obtained by WGLT sent to cheerleading parents and students, indicate Miller was notified Friday morning that his volunteer coaching assignment with the district “has ended effective immediately.”
Miller also coaches track and field and teaches seventh grade at Chiddix Junior High School in Normal.
It was not clear Friday whether school officials in Lexington were aware of previous allegations in which Miller is accused of having engaged in a sexual conversation with a juvenile athlete during a cheerleading clinic in LaSalle County in 2019. Miller was a cheer coach at University High School and travelling with the team. He was placed on leave at both U-High and Chiddix in the wake of that incident.
Illinois State University, which operates University High School, confirmed Miller’s employment ended Oct. 31, 2019.
Miller returned to work at Chiddix Junior High following a police investigation that did not result in criminal charges. Unit 5 schools, which operates Chiddix, issued a formal warning in August 2020, advising Miller that future misconduct could result in disciplinary action.
Emails to Lexington cheer families on Friday and earlier this week said District 7 does not have indication that any Lexington-Ridgeview students have been harmed.
"We remind students and parents to please promptly notify school administration or law enforcement if they have any information, concerns or experiences they believe should be shared," said an email from Deters sent Friday afternoon.
The email further suggests school counseling services are available to students and families.
Lexington’s varsity cheer squad qualified for the 2026 Illinois High School Association Competitive Cheer State Finals, which took place Feb. 6 and 7 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. The squad did not advance to the finals. It was their 14th appearance at state in two decades, with a 3rd place finish in 2011.
Miller has not responded to WGLT’s requests for comment.
