education
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DPS board considers policy designating schools as ‘safe zones’ from immigration enforcement
The Denver school board discussed a major policy amendment that, if passed, will designate all district properties as “Safe Zones” and “Sensitive Locations.” In practical terms, the proposed policy amendment would restrict federal immigration agents from interacting with students and staff at school without a judicial warrant. District policy already bans U.S. Immigration and Customs…
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Colorado declares measles outbreak after third case linked to Broomfield school
An unvaccinated Adams County child who tested positive for measles is tied to a case from Broomfield High School last month, leading state health officials to declare an outbreak. Colorado has four measles cases to date, amid a national outbreak. The other cases are in Broomfield and Arapahoe counties. The latest case, state officials said,…
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Broomfield High School keeps 26 students out after confirmed measles case
After state officials confirmed a measles case last week at Broomfield High School, 26 students are not allowed to attend class, the district said Monday. On Friday, school officials requested students who are not vaccinated against measles to not attend class. “In order to attend school, you must present proof of measles immunity,” Broomfield High…
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Colorado bill aims to launch $1 million ‘Cradle to Career’ program
Saying it would help Colorado families living in poverty, legislators are proposing to allocate $1 million to organizations that support impoverished communities. Senate Bill 080 — sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs — would create the “Cradle to Career Grant Program” within the…
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Ex-Cherry Creek superintendent must repay one month’s salary after abrupt resignation
Former Cherry Creek School District Superintendent Chris Smith must repay one month’s salary for failing to provide the board of education with three-month’s notice of his resignation, The Denver Gazette has learned. The board of education has not waived the requirement, Abbe Smith, a district spokesperson, said in an email. The spokesperson declined to say…
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Parent group accuses DPS of racketeering in challenge to school financing structure
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.…
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Cherry Creek school district to pay ex-superintendent $165K after resignation amid toxic workplace claims
The Cherry Creek School District will pay nearly $165,000 to former Superintendent Chris Smith following his resignation last month amid allegations of a toxic workplace. The board of education announced last week that the district is contractually obligated to pay Smith $119,857.87 in unused sick leave and $44,070 in vacation leave. He abruptly resigned in…
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Denver school board to consider property swap
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…
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Cherry Creek orders outside audit, tightens contract oversight amid leadership shakeup
Amid heightened public scrutiny following recent leadership upheaval, the Cherry Creek School District will launch an independent audit of its internal controls and impose stricter contract approval rules, lowering the dollar threshold for board oversight and requiring additional executive and legal sign-offs on spending. Friday was the fifth time the board has met over the…
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Cherry Creek School District Assistant Superintendent Tony Poole placed on administrative leave
Cherry Creek School District Assistant Superintendent Tony Poole has been placed on administrative leave, district officials confirmed Wednesday. Lauren Snell, a district spokesperson, declined to say whether Poole’s administrative leave was paid or not. Poole started with the school district in 1989 as a teacher and worked his way up the ranks to assistant superintendent…