Commentary
Last week I came across the latest example of at least one Denver’s school board member focusing on the trivial in place of substance, while simultaneously trying to use board power to breathe down the neck of innovation schools.
We love and support our students, and we encourage their interests and needs.
The look and function of this space truly is the future, and is what we can expect to see more in schools going forward.
Here’s hoping that 2023 shows at least some modest improvement in governance and administrative performance. Either way, three of seven seats on the board are up for election in November so the voters can exert influence, if they bother to get engaged.
Denver Public Schools recently provided a high-profile example of what not to do when it comes to unavoidable school closures.
State Board of Education member Lisa Escárcega reflects on the fraught process involved in getting new state social studies standards adopted.
This is no fly-by-night research, led by ideologically-driven researchers. These are serious academic researchers, conducting rigorous studies. Their findings paint a far different picture than reform critics, some of whom serve on the Denver school board, want you to see.
The reality here in Denver is that the reformers over the decades have been varied in their outlooks, and have spanned all parts of the educational system. They have been teachers (sometimes even teacher union leaders), principals, central office administrators, and a series of three superintendents.
The conversation we urgently need to have is one focused on quality rather than governance type. Do all of our students have access to the high-quality public school options they deserve?
Individuals and groups on both sides of the Denver education ideological divide need to join forces to deliver a clear message to all board members, including those not up for reelection. It’s a simple message: This is unacceptable. You are embarrassing us. You are poorly serving our children. Get to work on what matters.
Marrero bonus, board silence are slaps in the face to Denver teachers
On Monday night, with zero debate, the DPS board approved a $17,326 bonus for Superintendent Alex Marrero – a curious move just days before voters weigh in on a billion-dollar bond package, while negotiations with the teachers union remain unresolved.