The unofficial vote tallies – if the results hold – suggests that none of the candidates backed by the local teachers union will ascend to office.

Here are three takeaways from the Denver Public Schools’ board of education races on Tuesday:

Teachers union loses sway 

Typically, teachers unions enjoy an outsized influence on voters.

Not this election.

The Denver Classroom Teachers Association has supported each serving board member, contributing to the historic “flip” in 2019 that shifted the balance of power on the board toward undoing changes put in place by previous boards. With three candidates poised to take office on a board of seven, this election could be as pivotal.

Money, money, money

Money sways elections.

The Better Leaders, Stronger Schools committee sunk more than $1 million into the race.

A political arm of Denver Families founded in 2021 with funding from Virginia-based The City Fund, the group was behind a flurry of flyers and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s TV ad in the remaining weeks of the campaign.

Each of the candidates Denver Families supported – John Youngquist (at-large), Kimberlee Sia (District 1) and Marlene DeLaRosa (District 5) – hold big leads over their competitors.

Voter dissatisfaction

The polls got it right.

In the weeks leading up to the election, local polls showed that 70% of likely voters held an unfavorable view of the school board.

The discontent had been simmering for months.

The public is deeply critical of the board following a series of missteps that included school closures, gun violence and an executive session the court ruled illegal.

The dissatisfaction also gave rise to the “Resign DPS Board” effort to vote out and recall the incumbents.