denver public schools
-
Marrero argues DPS board’s outside counsel policy undercuts superintendent’s role
—
by
Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero argued during a discussion of the request-for-proposal process that the board’s policy allowing independent counsel conflicts with district policy designating him as its sole employee. The new policy was in response to Marrero’s early contract extension in May, which was filtered through the district’s general counsel, Aaron Thompson. Thompson…
-
DPS braces for budget uncertainty as state funding questions loom
—
by
The uncertainty over what state legislators will do when they begin hashing out the state budget later this month has Denver Public Schools (DPS) officials worried. DPS Chief Financial Officer Chuck Carpenter warned the board of education Thursday that if the state doesn’t come through on its promises or if funding is cut, it will…
-
Denver schools’ legal chief appears unsure about ICE warrants as board weighs new immigration policy
—
by
Denver’s school board is considering a major policy amendment that would consider all district properties “safe zones” by requiring a judicial warrant for federal immigration agents to interact with students. If passed by the board, Denver Public Schools General Counsel Aaron Thompson’s office would be tasked with verifying whether a warrant is valid under the…
-
Parent group accuses DPS of racketeering in challenge to school financing structure
—
by
The parent advocacy group that previously accused Denver Public Schools of financial misconduct in court documents has escalated its claims, alleging the district engaged in racketeering through its bond and lease-financing structures. Mamás de DPS filed a complaint in Denver District Court on Tuesday, accusing district officials of violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act.…
-
Denver school board to consider property swap
—
by
The Denver Public Schools board will consider replacing an administrative building with Pascual LeDoux Academy in the district’s 2020 lease-purchase structure, a financing arrangement tied to the sale and leaseback of several school buildings now under legal challenge. The deed swap is part of a financial maneuver to sell the administrative property on Yuma Street…
-
Colorado sees record early applications for universal preschool
—
by
Early preschool applications for the upcoming school year are breaking records for a program with 42,862 4-year-olds enrolled statewide. As of Monday, the program had received 12,886 applications. “Investing in high-quality early education is one of the most effective ways we can support children, families and the long-term strength of our state,” Lisa Roy, executive director…
-
Denver Public Schools enrollment losses outpace school closures
—
by
Enrollment losses in Denver now outpace what school closures alone can address. Denver Public Schools (DPS) Superintendent Alex Marrero is expected to present an update on the district’s enrollment to the board at its meeting this Thursday. During an October count, the district reported an enrollment decline of roughly 1,200 students and about $18 million…
-
Higher home values, abatements to push DPS tax bills up in 2025
—
by
Denver homeowners will pay more in school taxes next year even though Denver Public Schools (DPS) slightly lowered its overall tax rate. The increase is being driven by rising assessed home values, a full 52.142-mill levy and a dramatic increase in the district’s abatement surcharge – the fee DPS uses to recoup “historically high” tax…
-
Federal judge rejects DPS’ attempt to obtain 9News sourcing documents in First Amendment case
—
by
A federal judge rejected Denver Public Schools’ attempt on Monday to obtain documents from 9News related to its interview with a former principal who alleges his termination amounted to a constitutional violation. At the same time, the attorney for plaintiff Kurt Dennis admitted that Dennis did, in fact, provide documents to the outlet showing a…
-
Gaytán builds support for Denver school board presidency bid
—
by
Denver Public Schools Director Xóchitl Gaytán has been seeking support behind the scenes for a bid to lead the school board, according to people familiar with the conversations — a move that follows her visible role at the swearing-in last month and her unsuccessful push for an early officer vote. Gaytán downplayed the maneuvering. “Some…
