education
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Cherry Creek School Board fires former superintendent’s wife from top HR role
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The Cherry Creek School Board today announced the termination of Brenda Smith, the district’s chief human resource officer. She’s the wife of former Superintendent Chris Smith, who abruptly resigned in January during his annual review. Brenda Smith’s termination marks the latest upheaval for a district that has faced months of leadership turmoil and controversy. “In…
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Colorado legislators ask voters to forfeit thousands in TABOR refunds, redirect money to school spending
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A Democratic‑backed proposal to direct money to K‑12 schools using Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights dollars is headed to the ballot, setting up a major debate over taxpayer refunds and long‑term education funding. If voters approve it, the average Coloradan would forfeit more than $7,000 in TABOR refunds over the next decade. Senate Bill 135 includes…
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Sheridan school board approves teachers’ contract, ending historic strike
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The Sheridan teachers strike that languished through much of the month is officially over. The Sheridan School District Board of Education unanimously voted Tuesday to accept the union contract. “It has been a long road to get to today,” Sheridan Educators Association President Kate Biester said in a statement to The Denver Gazette after this…
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Cherry Creek School Board member resigns after ‘racialized remarks,’ district says
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Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a response from former board member Terry Bates, which was received after publication. Cherry Creek School Board Member Terry Bates resigned after making “racialized remarks,” the district announced Friday. District officials did not disclose what the remarks were. “When a member’s actions fall short of board…
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DPS committee backs bell-to-bell cellphone ban
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Students might have to ditch their cell phones if the Denver Public Schools Board of Education follows a recommendation to adopt a bell-to-bell cellphone ban. A Communication Devices Advisory Committee was formed earlier this year to comply with a new state law that requires school districts to adopt a cellphone policy by July 1. The…
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Democrats want Colorado colleges to provide abortion medication
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A bill proposing to require Colorado colleges and universities to provide abortion medication services cleared a legislative committee on Thursday. Advocates said the measure — which exempts religious-based institutions but applies to public, private, and community colleges — will improve access to abortion, while opponents argue it would force educational institutions to take a side…
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Ex‑Bronco Montee Ball backs push at Colorado Capitol for stronger concussion protocols
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Amid rising worries about the long‑term effects of head injuries in youth sports, a Colorado committee began reviewing legislation that would tighten concussion protocols and expand mental health awareness among coaches. Senate Bill 060 would require youth sports coaches to complete training on the mental health impacts of concussions. It would also require them to…
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DPS names panel to shape $43M tax hike
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A newly appointed Mill Levy Override Advisory Committee has been tasked with deciding how Denver Public Schools should spend more than $40 million in additional revenue, should voters approve the tax hike in November. The district received about 30 applications and accepted nine for the committee, said Scott Pribble, a DPS spokesperson. The group represents…
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Cherry Creek School District to pay assistant superintendent $190K to retire amid leadership shakeups
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Cherry Creek School District taxpayers will pay Assistant Superintendent Anthony Poole more than $190,000 to retire at the end of the school year, according to the school district’s separation agreement. Obtained under the Colorado Open Records Act, the agreement stipulates that the Cherry Creek School District will pay him a lump sum of $187,925 under…
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Survey: Most Colorado teachers satisfied, but lack prep time
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A biannual teacher satisfaction survey released today shows deep job satisfaction, even as educators struggle with inadequate time for lesson prep and professional learning. Released by the Colorado Department of Education, the 2026 Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado found nine in 10 teachers reported that their schools are good environments for student learning. But just…