Kristen Fry, who brought the suit, was accused in August 2023 of using a racial slur and of assault against a Black community activist and political consultant, Hashim Coates, that led to a rush to judgment by the school board to cast Fry as racist. She was later exonerated by a video of the incident that DPS withheld until subpoenaed by her attorneys.
DPS board, leaders’ rush to judgment sparks federal lawsuit Read More »
It is true that DPS students and subgroups of students (low-income students and kids of color) outpaced the state on growth measures in many areas. But at the rate that many DPS students are growing, they will never reach grade-level proficiency. That has profound implications for their futures, and is hardly cause for celebration.
DPS spins test results, but truth is plain to see Read More »
Consider the message sent by spending almost $100,000 to deconstruct the egalitarian philosophy that drove Denver Public Schools management for more than a decade. The superintendent’s corner office with a bank of windows looking over downtown and the soundproofing all but scream: ”Stay away. I have no time for the likes of you. And what happens behind that door is none of your damned business.”
Marrero’s $100,000 corner office: Long live the hierarchy! Read More »
I found community in my college at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and in my first career opportunity. And I have found it again through Ednium.
From Ednium: Seeing people for who they are Read More »
This fall’s superintendent evaluation will be a waste of everyone’s time. But it’s not too soon to start searching for a reputable, national organization to conduct a 360 evaluation of Superintendent Alex Marrero.
New DPS board members must push for a real, external evaluation of Marrero Read More »
In years past, school leaders could rate Marrero and other senior leaders on a series of Likert Scale questions. For example: “Overall is an effective leader.” “Is a person whom I trust.” “Models the DPS values.” “Is reflective, open to and grows from feedback.” That opportunity has vanished into thin air.
Manage like an ostrich: Marrero eliminates principal feedback on his leadership Read More »
Last Thursday’s unfortunate action by the holdover board members delays the return of meaningful accountability to the leadership of DPS. And, as usual, it is the city’s children who will pay the price.
DPS board’s old guard pushes through weak superintendent evaluation measures Read More »
While it’s not unusual for newly elected officials to want to make a mark, in this case doing so is essential to begin restoring confidence in a school district that has lost the trust of its community.
A breath of fresh air: Here are some quick wins for new Denver school board Read More »
These two evaluations are starkly different for an obvious reason: The majority of the 2020 board was eager to nudge Cordova out the door. The current board seems desperate to hang onto Marrero, twice bestowing raises and contract extensions upon him for no apparent reason.
Contrasting Marrero, Cordova evaluations tell quite a story Read More »
A school board and administration that decides to limit public comment sessions to two hours, that withholds public records, that holds illegal secret meetings, that denies legitimate researchers data because they suspect bias, has become so insular and defensive that it has lost its grip on reality, not to mention the public’s trust.
Trust issues cut both ways in Denver Public Schools Read More »
