Caron Blanke is a Denver Public Schools parent, and the former director of the JCC (Jewish Community Center) Early Learning School, one of Denver’s top preschools. She is running for the District 3 school board seat, which encompasses a large swath of central Denver. The seat is currently held by board President Carrie Olson, who is term-limited after serving eight years.
Blanke has more than 25 years experience working with early learning centers, JCCs, and other nonprofits around the country.
Blanke faces competition for the seat. Scott Esserman, currently an at-large (citywide) board member, decided to leave that seat and run for District 3. Educator DJ Torres is also running, and has garnered the endorsement of the Denver Classroom Teacher s Association.
On Aug. 13, Denver Families Action, a well-funded nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization, endorsed Blanke.
In this podcast episode, Blanke discusses what she sees as a need for governance adjustments within the DPS board and administration, and her desire to be a change agent after several years of stagnant student achievement in the district.
