Author: kdoran

Capitol Week in Review

Legislation | 01/13/2023
Post author Bri Buentello
Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Welcome to a Special Edition of Capitol Week in Review!   The First Session of the 74th General Assembly kicked off this week with mostly pomp and circumstance. Members were sworn in, leadership elections took place, committee assignments were made, and legislation started being introduced. Capital Week in Review is back to bring you news of bills we are tracking around our priorities of advancing educational equity and racial justice in Colorado and making our schools and communities safer and more supportive. This week we are sharing key information about leadership in the general assembly, updates from the State Board of Education and Governor’s office as well as a rundown on our priorities for this session.

Legislative update

HB23-1001, Expanding Assistance For Educator Programs, which supports student teachers toward the goal of diversifying the teacher workforce was introduced in the House.  

HB23-1003, School Mental Health Assessment, which creates the sixth through twelfth grade mental health assessment program was introduced in the House.  

HB23-1042, Admissibility Standards For Juvenile Statements, which increases funding for interrogation training for law enforcement, as well as improves the general reliability of confessions by requiring all juvenile interrogations to be recorded was introduced in the House and assigned to the Judiciary Committee.  

SB23-029, Disproportionate Discipline In Public Schools, which requires each school district board of education, institute charter school board for a charter school authorized by the state charter school institute, or governing board of a board of cooperative services (BOCES) to adopt a policy to address disproportionate disciplinary practices in public schools was introduced in the Senate and assigned to the Education Committee.  

SB23-043, Continue School Access For Emergency Response Grant Program, extends the SAFER grant program for 5 years, until July 1, 2029. The SAFER Grant Program provides funding to encourage and provide training for seamless communivations between schools and first responders.

Senate and House Leadership Elected

Senate
President
Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder)
Minority Leader Paul Lundeen (R-El Paso)
 
House of Representatives
Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie
(D-Summit) Minority Leader Mike Lynch (R-Larimer)

Education Committee Members NaMED

Senate Education Committee Members

Chair: Janet Buckner

Vice-Chair: Janice Marchman  

House Education Committee Members

Chair: Barbara McLachlan

Vice-Chair: Matthew Martinez

Governor Polis Sworn in for Second Term

Governor Jared Polis was sworn in for a second term on January 10, 2023 in front of the State Capitol in Denver. During his inaugural address he highlighted some of his accomplishments such as free full-day kindergarten. While education was not a centerpiece of his speech, he did mention implementation of universal preschool. He also called for unity as Coloradans and acceptance of differences throughout his remarks, “No matter what part of Colorado you call home, who you are, or who you love. No matter your race, or your gender, or how you worship, or how you vote. Colorado belongs to all of us and we will all help shape our future.”

Stand Government Affairs Director, Bri Buentello joins our partners at Healthier Colorado at inaugration this week. 

Members of State Board of Education Sworn In

This week, recently elected members Kathy Plomer, Steve Durham, Rebecca McClellan, and Rhonda Solis were sworn in to the State Board of Education. Rebecca McClellan was named chair and Lisa Escárcega was named vice-chair of the State Board. Read more about the roles and responsibilities of the State Board of Education.

Members of our team attended the swearing in ceremony for the new State Board of Education members.

Our Take: Priorities this Session

Stand advocates for educational equity and racial justice in Colorado through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers by prioritizing early literacy, high school success, and safe and supportive schools and communities. During legislative session this year our team will be advocating alongside our partners for a variety of policies aligned to our mission.

Our top priorities include:

  • Expanding funding for the Ninth Grade On- Track and Expelled and At-Risk Student Services (EARSS) grant programs.
  • Repealing deceptive interrogation tactics for juveniles, updating expulsion policies, eliminating cash bail, and raising the age for detention from 10 to 13.
  • Finalizing the updated school funding formula to include a new proxy for poverty, ensure a dedicated English Language Learner (ELL) weight, create a better balance for cost-of-living adjustment amounts, and fully fund special education services across districts.

Continuing work towards diversifying the teacher workforce. 

What We’re Reading

2023 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues, Chalkbeat  

First day: Colorado lawmakers pledge ‘thoughtful’ school funding debate amid budget constraints, Chalkbeat    

CSU’s teacher preparation program wins state approval, gets kudos for science of reading shiftColorado voters may be asked to forgo their future, Chalkbeat  

TABOR refunds so the state can boost school funding, Colorado Sun

This Month at the DPS Board

This Month at the DPS Board | 12/16/2022
Post author Vallerie Bustamante
Vallerie Bustamante Parent Organizer
photo of Denver skyline with words this month at the DPS Board

Welcome to the December edition of “This Month at the DPS Board”, a monthly newsletter sharing information about the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education.    

Our goal is simple: to share what is happening at school board meetings so you can engage with the board and the district even if you cannot attend hours of meetings every month. 

The Finance and Audit Committee – December 1, 2022 

The meeting recording was not posted, but you can look at the minutes here. The Committee approved a variety of consent agenda items and all items moved forward for consideration by the Board of Education.  

Progress Monitoring and Public Comment- December 12, 2022 

Highlights on Student Athletics 

Superintendent Marrero introduced schools that became conference champions in the Fall of 2022. Northfield High School was back-to-back state champions in their Boys Soccer league. They also highlighted Denver East High School’s Boys Soccer team which gained a state championship title for the 4th time in their school’s history.  

Superintendent Update: Denver Online School 

Superintendent Marrero and DPS staff gave a brief update on the online school “Denver Online” that was created when families preferred the remote option due to COVID-19. The school opened in the fall of 2021 and in November of 2021, DPS decided to continue the programming for one more year as spread of the virus was still ongoing. DPS has now revisited the future of Denver Online this month and made the decision to end the elementary portion of the programming and only offer grades 6-12. The elementary students who were enrolled in the online school will receive supports to join the school choice process for the school year 2022-2023.  

Certification of Mill Levies 

DPS Staff presented the 2022 Mill Levy Certification which must be certified by the Board each year prior to December 15th. “The City and County of Denver collects property taxes on behalf of DPS  The Mill Levy Certification directs the City and County of Denver (specifically the county treasurer) the level at which to tax property in Denver on behalf of DPS students.” The taxes that make up the Mill levy Certification are School Finance Act, Mill Levy Overrides, Special Revenue Mill Levy Override, and Bond Redemption. Legislation that passed during the 2020 session, changed how districts levy mills for the School Finance Act, so DPS is required to mill at 27 for the tax rate.  

You can see more details here. The certification for the 2022 Mill Levy was approved by the DPS Board. 

EL-17 Monitoring: Asset Protection 

DPS staff explained executive limitation (EL) 17 which focuses on the protection of DPS assets. This EL encompasses a policy that will ensure that schools, the Board and DPS obtain insurance, make sure that the handling of funds is being done under accepted accounting procedures. The 11 points under this EL can be found here. Several Board members raised questions on how this EL would impact students’ intellectual property after the lawsuit against the girls who trademarked “Know Justice Know Peace.” A DPS attorney clarified that if a student or student group receives funds and resources such as educators and space from DPS, “legally speaking,” it is intellectual property that is owned by the district. The Board all agreed to make sure this is being conveyed as best as possible to students and families.  

DPS Board Meeting- December 15, 2022 

Proclamation Regarding Gun Violence Prevention 

Vice-President Anderson introduced a proclamation regarding gun violence prevention after hearing public comment from Denver East High School students. These students urged board members to work harder through also pushing for legislation that will protect students and DPS staff from gun violence. Each board member read a part of the proclamation.   

School Year Calendars Development: 2023-24 and 2024-25 

DPS staff and representatives from the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) and Denver School Leaders Association (DSLA) presented updates on the progress to develop school calendars for years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. They expressed that they have considered multiple factors such as family work schedules, professional development days, religious holidays and more. Feedback was received from teachers on when the school year should start and end. According to the surveys conducted, “about 50% of responses via paper survey (13/23) from MLE DAC prefer a start date the week of August 14 and nearly 70% of responses via paper survey (16/23) from MLE DAC prefer an end date the week of June 3”. The drafts for the school calendars in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 would have the school year start in August 21 and end on June 5 and for SY 2023-2024 the start date would be August 19, end in June 3 for SY 2024-2025. 

District Accountability Committee Update 

Every district is required to have a District Accountability Committee, which is a group of parents and community members that recommend, review, and support the district with key decisions. Several representatives from the committee presented some recommendations to be a partner in the process of collaboration of the Unified Improvement Plan. “Unified Improvement Planning was introduced in 2009 to streamline improvement planning components of state and federal accountability requirements”. 

Unified Improvement Plan Update 

As the parents from the District Accountability Committee (DAC) finished their presentation on their recommendations, the Board decided to transition to an update on the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP). DPS staff’s update correlated with the recommendations from DAC because it was to make sure the creation of the UIP is streamlined through the different progress monitoring steps and committees such as DAC.  

Parent Teacher Home Visits 

DPS staff presented Parent Teacher Home Visits which is a program within DPS that encourages teachers to conduct home visits. They explained their model as starting with a phone call, which then moves into the first home visit. After the first home visit, there is follow-up and fostering relationship to the second visit. In the school year of 2022, 82 schools and 737 educators are participating in the program. So far, there have been 3,387 home visits with a goal of 9,000 for the school year. Furthermore, the National program adopted the DPS model and DPS was nationally recognized for most visits across US. 

First Reads- Board Policies – EL12 Employee Treatment and EL15 Budgeting 

The Board was presented with a first read on EL 12 which focuses on employee treatment and EL 15 which focuses on budgeting.  Community is encouraged to provide feedback on these policies (EL 12 and EL 15). 

Consent Agenda 

Before the Board voted on the items listed on the consent agenda, Vice President Anderson raised the recommendation of Robert F Smith Steam Academy relocating. The recommendation is to relocate to Robert F Smith Steam Academy to Barrett Elementary. In the end, all board members voted to pass all items on the consent agenda. 

Join us: The 9th Grade Approach – A center for High School Success Showcase

High School Success | 12/14/2022
Post author Claire Bresnahan
Claire Bresnahan Communications Manager

On Thursday January 5, 2023 at 4:30 pm Colorado’s Center for High School Success will be hosting a showcase to highlight the 9th grade approach. Hear directly from a Colorado principal whose On-Track Rate was 92% in the 2021-2022 school year! You will also learn about:

  • the research driving the ninth-grade success model,  
  • coaching and support CHSS provides in Colorado schools,  
  • and demonstrated student outcomes in the 2021-22 school year
Register

The Center for High School Success (CHSS), a Stand for Children program, supports high schools and districts in raising 9th Grade On-Track Rates in service of raising graduation rates and increasing readiness for postsecondary success through our CHSS Roadmap for 9th Grade Success. On-Track means a 9th grade student has earned a quarter of the credits needed to graduate and received no more than one F in any course. (toandthrough.uchicago.edu) 

Standing With You

Standing With You | 12/9/2022
Post author
Stand for Children

Stand for Children Colorado advances educational equity and racial justice in Colorado through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policy makers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.   

Stand Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards racial justice and equity in education.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, democratize knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long lasting relationships and invaluable skills. 

Learn about each fellow

Colorado State Board of Education passes inclusive social studies standards 

Together with our supporters and other partners we raised our voices in favor of students learning accurate, fact-based accounts of history. Learn more here. 

Celebrating Election Results   

Volunteers sent 170,000 texts to Colorado voters to support education champions in this year’s election. In addition to the re-election of Governor Polis, and the election of Stand endorsed candidates in the State Legislature, we are incredibly excited about the election of Kathy Plomer and Rebecca McClelland to the State Board. View the full list of Stand Education Champions elected here.  

Stand Event: Engaging Through Challenges 

This October, we hosted the Center for High School Success, Teach Kindness, and Home Visit Partnerships in a free, webinar to introduce programs and strategies to support safe and supportive school environments that lead to effective student and family engagement and improved attendance.  

Lorelei, Stand Advocacy Fellow

“I am excited to continue this fellowship because Stand is dedicated to change-making for our students and communities. I am looking forward to making change through careful research, thoughtful advocacy, and strong partnerships in a state policy context. I loved working with families and the Stand for Children advocates in the past and am happy to continue that work.” 

Thank you for standing for Colorado’s students, families, and educators. Whether you’ve signed a petition, emailed your lawmaker, or shared information with your family and friends, your action matters, and so does your support. Will you donate to support our work in 2023?

Every dollar raised will go towards: 

  • Fighting to expand funding for the Ninth Grade On-Track and Expelled and At-Risk Student Services (EARSS) grant programs. 
  • Providing families with training and resources to support their students outside of the classroom through workshops and one on one support to parents/guardians in schools we partner with. 
  • Working to eliminate the, currently allowable, practice of lying to juveniles during interrogation. 
  • Continued progress on early literacy outcomes for students 


This Month at the DPS Board

This Month at the DPS Board | 12/5/2022
Post author Vallerie Bustamante
Vallerie Bustamante Parent Organizer
photo of Denver skyline with words this month at the DPS Board

Welcome to the November edition of “This Month at the DPS Board”, a monthly newsletter sharing information about the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education.    

Our goal is simple: to share what is happening at school board meetings so you can engage with the board and the district even if you cannot attend hours of meetings every month. 

Work Session – November 3, 2022 

Policy Review: Ends 1.3, Ends 1.4, Ends 1.5 & Executive Limitations 15, Executive Limitations 17 

The work session began by reviewing “Ends policies” 1.3, 1.4, 1.5. DPS staff encouraged the community to review the policies posted on Boarddocs to provide any feedback. Ends policies are the long-term goals for the district. Executive limitations are policies the Superintendent will be evaluated on. Governance policies impact the board members and how they govern. The Board reviews the policies and posts them for “first read,” which is the step in the process in which community can provide feedback. After that, the policy moves on to “second read”, which is when the Board considers the suggested edits and make changes. On the “second read”, community can still review and provide feedback on the policies. After the second read, the Board votes to establish the policy.  

The Board reviewed Ends 1.5, which refers to ‘Post Graduation and Global Citizenship.’ They added the requirement for eligible students to pre-register to vote at the age of 16 in order to receive their diploma. They proceeded to Ends 1.3 which refers to student and staff well-being.  

School Unification Plan: Applying the DEAC Criteria 

Staff presented the school unification plan which included discussion about the current state of enrollment challenges, the recommendations created by the Declining Enrollment Advisory Committee (DEAC), learning from prior school consolidations, and applying criteria to identify school unifications. Elementary enrollment has declined by 6,485 students since the peak in 2014.  Middle School enrollment has declined by 1,612 Students since the peak in 2019. 

Superintendent Marrero outlined the challenges that school staff experience working in a small schools, such as teachers not having planning partners or teams, higher rates of staff turnover, and annual staff reductions, and principals needing to cover classes in addition to their leadership responsibilities. Staff then explained the criteria recommended by the DEAC for district-managed schools and charter schools, including timeline information 

Board members shared their thoughts, outlining concerns over the process and community engagement. 

Budget Advisory Committee- November 7, 2022 

Budget Review 

Board members and community leaders reviewed the five-year financial outlook. They talked about how enrollment affects funds, and how it is steadily decreasing.  

Budget Principals  

The committee shared a draft of budget guiding principles for the school year 2023-2024. They talked about how it should be updated to reflect the upcoming school year. 

ESSER Funding 

The Budget Advisory Committee talked about how stimulus funding is supporting DPS priorities such as: accelerated learning, social emotional and mental health, and the foundation. Stimulus funding is for three years ends in 2024.  

DPS Board Meeting – November 17, 2022 

Declining Enrollment 

Most of the board meeting focused on potential school closures due to declining enrollment. Board members were ready to vote on the closure of five Denver schools (down from the original list of 10). Prior to the discussion and vote, Superintendent Marrero asked to revise his proposal down to two schools – Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy (MSLA) and Denver Discovery School (DDS), which were the smallest schools on the lists. The school board voted down this recommendation as well as revoking the Declining Enrollment resolution previously adopted in 2021.  

Denver Public Schools will now need to revisit concerns around declining enrollment. Many of the board’s complaints were around process as it relates to community engagement.  

Special Board Meeting – Public Comment – November 28, 2022 

Superintendent Report 

Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero shared his thoughts and updates related to many of the current issues the district is currently grappling with including declining enrollment, school start times, and school safety.  

He began by acknowledging the difficulty and emotion surrounding the realities of grappling with declining enrollment but stated that it’s the superintendent’s and board’s responsibility to grapple with the issue and propose solutions “as educational and fiscal stewards of the resources allocated to all of us”, saying “I would not be doing my job if I didn’t bring this issue and recommended solutions to the board of education for discussion and ultimately a decision.” After a recent decision to rescind the superintendent’s proposed small schools resolution, Dr. Marrero thanked the board saying, “I now have a clearer direction provided by you all” and shared that he looks forwards to working together to identify solutions.  

He also addressed healthy start times that has caused concern in the community, saying “we know the research of the benefit of healthy start times on our students, but we do have to acknowledge that it disrupts the current schedules of families.”  

Finally, he addressed school safety calling “the violence that’s happening in and around schools…the biggest issue” the district is grappling with. He shared statistics about occurrences of violence and gun presence on and near campuses and his concerns about access to guns. He shared that the Denver Police Department and Mayor Hancock have committed to making safety in and around schools and that he will be monitoring the upcoming mayoral campaigns for how candidates describe addressing this issue.  

Director Anderson asked for a personal privilege to address the board “to issue a formal apology” saying his “focus as a board member has been deterred” and that he has “contributed personally to some of what folks would describe as dysfunction”. He offered to have restorative conversations with any board or staff member and the superintendent.  

President Gaytan responded saying she also wants to move forward to “do the work of the board and redirect our attention to policy.”  

5280 Freedom School Contract Presentation 

Staff from the Authorizing and Accountability office shared a presentation regarding the conditions and next steps outlined in the 5280 Freedom School contract. Following a State Board appeal, the DPS board voted 7-0 to approve the 5280 Freedom School application with conditions. The school must meet the conditions to open.  

The conditions outlined included guidance related to budget, curriculum, and enrollment and special education preparations.  

The board is slated to vote on the contract on December 15, 2022. If all conditions are satisfied, the school will open in the fall of 2023. View the full presentation here.  

School Dashboard Advisory Committee 

District staff shared updates and information related to the School Dashboard Advisory Committee including historical context, committee purpose, and timeline to apply and participate. 

In August 2020, the DPS Board adopted Resolution 4079 in which DPS should adopt the State school-performance framework (SPF) for accountability. In addition, “A local, public dashboard should become available…in line with the vision and values of the [DPS Strategic Plan]”. Development of the dashboard should include “teachers, leaders, families, students, community members, committee members”.  

The Dashboard Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the superintendent on information to include in the school dashboard and provide feedback to inform changes to initial versions of the school dashboard. A subset of the committee will solicit community input and feedback to inform the school dashboard work. The goal is to build out a dashboard by the Fall of 2024.  

The application to apply to the Committee will be open from November 30-January 1. The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team can provide additional support for any family or community member completing the application by calling 720-423-3054. 

Additional details include:  

  • The first meeting will most likely be held in person on the evening of Tuesday, February 7  
  • Future meetings, informed by committee members, will be conducted in person or virtually.  
  • Interpretation and translation services will be provided, as needed  
  • Food will be provided for all in-person meetings and childcare will be provided for committee members who identify the need 

Board members engaged in a discussion asking questions and sharing concerns about the process, purpose, and impact of establishing a committee.  

View the full presentation for more information here.  

Policy Governance Policies Review 

District staff presented a second reading of ends-policies and executive limitations “to refine and have these policies work well for this board of education.” The second readings are posted on the district’s website.  

Public Comment  

Community expressed their opinions on variety of topics through public testimony. You can sign up here for public comment and speak directly to the board about what matters to you. 

ENGAGE WITH THE BOARD 

Do you want to let the board know your thoughts on any of these topics? You can sign up for public comment and speak directly to the board about what matters to you. You can sign up here. 

Bienvenidos a la edición de Noviembre de “Este mes en la Junta de DPS”, un boletín mensual que comparte información sobre el Consejo de Educación de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver (DPS).  

Nuestro objetivo es sencillo: compartir lo que ocurre en las reuniones del consejo escolar para que pueda participar con el consejo y el distrito, aunque no pueda asistir a horas de reuniones cada mes.

Sesión de Trabajo – 3 de Noviembre de 2022

Revisión de políticas: Fines 1.3, Fines 1.4, Fines 1.5 y Límites Ejecutivos 15, Límites Ejecutivos 17

La sesión de trabajo comenzó con la revisión de las “Políticas de Fines” 1.3, 1.4, 1.5. El personal de DPS animó a la comunidad a revisar las políticas publicadas en Boarddocs para proporcionar cualquier comentario. Las políticas de fines son los objetivos a largo plazo para el distrito.  Las limitaciones ejecutivas son las políticas por las que el Superintendente será evaluado. Las políticas de gobierno afectan a los miembros de la junta y la forma en que gobiernan. El Consejo revisa las políticas y las publica para su “primera lectura”, que es el paso del proceso en el que la comunidad puede aportar sus comentarios. Después, la política pasa a la “segunda lectura”, que es cuando el Consejo considera las modificaciones sugeridas e introduce cambios. En la “segunda lectura”, la comunidad puede seguir revisando las políticas y aportando sus comentarios. Tras la segunda lectura, el Consejo vota para establecer la política.

El Consejo revisó el Fin 1.5, que se refiere a la “Posgraduación y Ciudadanía Global”. Añadieron el requisito de que los estudiantes que cumplan los requisitos se preinscriban para votar a los 16 años para poder recibir su diploma. Pasaron al Fin 1.3, que se refiere al bienestar de los estudiantes y del personal.

Plan de Unificación Escolar: Aplicación de los criterios del DEAC

El personal presentó el plan de unificación escolar que incluyó la discusión sobre el estado actual de los desafíos de inscripción, las recomendaciones creadas por el Comité Asesor de Disminución de Inscripción (DEAC), el aprendizaje de las consolidaciones escolares anteriores y la aplicación de criterios para identificar las unificaciones escolares. La inscripción primaria ha disminuido en 6,485 estudiantes desde el nivel más alto en 2014.  La matrícula de la escuela intermedia ha disminuido en 1,612 estudiantes desde el nivel más alto en 2019.

El Superintendente Marrero describió los desafíos que experimenta el personal escolar que trabaja en escuelas pequeñas, tales como que los maestros no tienen compañeros o equipos de planificación, tasas más altas de rotación de personal y reducciones anuales de personal, y los directores necesitan cubrir clases además de sus responsabilidades de liderazgo. A continuación, el personal explicó los criterios recomendados por el DEAC para las escuelas gestionadas por el distrito y las escuelas charter, incluida la información sobre plazos

Los miembros del Consejo expusieron sus opiniones y su preocupación por el proceso y la participación de la comunidad.

Comité Consultivo de Presupuesto- 7 de Noviembre de 2022

Revisión del Presupuesto

Los miembros del Consejo y los líderes de la comunidad revisaron las perspectivas financieras a cinco años. Hablaron de cómo afecta la matriculación a los fondos, y de cómo está disminuyendo constantemente.

Principios del Presupuesto

El comité compartió un borrador de los principios rectores del presupuesto para el año escolar 2023-2024. Hablaron sobre cómo debería actualizarse para reflejar el próximo año escolar.

Financiación ESSER

El Comité Asesor de Presupuesto habló de cómo la financiación de estímulo está apoyando las prioridades de DPS, tales como: aprendizaje acelerado, social emocional, salud mental, y fundación. El financiamiento de estímulo es por tres años termina en 2024.

Reunión del Consejo de DPS – 17 de Noviembre de 2022

Disminución de las Inscripciones

El consejo escolar rechazó la recomendación del superintendente de cerrar dos escuelas debido a las restricciones del presupuesto relacionadas con el descenso de matriculaciones.

Disminución de las Inscripciones

La mayor parte de la reunión del consejo se centró en los posibles cierres de escuelas debido al descenso de matriculaciones. Los miembros del Consejo estaban dispuestos a votar sobre el cierre de cinco escuelas de Denver (de la lista original de 10). Antes del debate y la votación, el superintendente Marrero pidió revisar su propuesta para reducirla a dos escuelas: Academia de Liderazgo en Matemáticas y Ciencias (MSLA) y Escuela de Descubrimiento de Denver (DDS), que eran las más pequeñas de la lista. El consejo escolar votó en contra de esta recomendación, así como la revocación de la resolución de disminución de la matrícula adoptada previamente en 2021.

Las Escuelas Públicas de Denver tendrán que revisar ahora sus preocupaciones sobre el descenso de matriculaciones. Muchas de las quejas del Consejo se referían al proceso de participación de la comunidad.

Reunión Especial del Consejo – Comentarios del Público – 28 de Noviembre de 2022

Informe del Superintendente

Superintendente Dr. Alex Marrero compartió sus pensamientos y actualizaciones relacionadas con muchos de los problemas actuales del distrito está luchando actualmente con incluir la disminución de la matrícula, horarios de inicio de clases, y seguridad escolar.

Comenzó por reconocer la dificultad y la emoción que rodea a las realidades de lidiar con la disminución de la matrícula, pero declaró que es la responsabilidad del superintendente y del Consejo de lidiar con el problema y proponer soluciones “como administradores educativos y fiscales de los recursos asignados a todos nosotros”, diciendo: “Yo no estaría haciendo mi trabajo si no traigo este tema y las soluciones recomendadas al Consejo de educación para la discusión y, finalmente, una decisión.” Después de una reciente decisión de rescindir la resolución de escuelas pequeñas propuesta por el superintendente, el Dr. Marrero agradeció al Consejo diciendo: “Ahora tengo una dirección más clara proporcionada por todos ustedes” y compartió que espera trabajar juntos para identificar soluciones.

También abordó el tema de los horarios de inicio saludables, que ha causado preocupación en la comunidad, diciendo que “conocemos las investigaciones sobre los beneficios de los horarios de inicio saludables para nuestros estudiantes, pero tenemos que reconocer que altera los horarios actuales de las familias”. “

Por último, se refirió a la seguridad escolar, calificando “la violencia que se está produciendo en las escuelas y sus alrededores… como el mayor problema” al que se enfrenta el distrito. Compartió estadísticas sobre los casos de violencia y la presencia de armas en los campus y sus alrededores, así como su preocupación por el acceso a las armas. Afirmó que el Departamento de Policía de Denver y el Alcalde Hancock se han comprometido a garantizar la seguridad en las escuelas y sus alrededores, y que seguirá de cerca las próximas campañas a la alcaldía para ver cómo abordan este problema los candidatos.

El Director Anderson pidió un privilegio personal para dirigirse al Consejo “para emitir una disculpa formal” diciendo que su “enfoque como miembro del Consejo ha sido disuadido” y que ha “contribuido personalmente a algo de lo que la gente describiría como disfunción”. Se ofreció a mantener conversaciones reparadoras con cualquier miembro del consejo o del personal y con el superintendente.

La Presidenta Gaytan respondió diciendo que ella también quiere avanzar para “hacer el trabajo de la junta y redirigir nuestra atención a la política”.

5280 Presentación del contrato de la Escuela Freedom

El personal de la oficina de Autorización y Rendición de Cuentas compartió una presentación sobre las condiciones y los próximos pasos descritos en el contrato 5280 de la Escuela Freedom. Después de una apelación de la Junta Estatal, la junta de DPS votó 7-0 para aprobar la solicitud de 5280 Escuela Freedom con condiciones. La escuela debe cumplir con las condiciones para abrir.

Las condiciones expuestas incluían orientaciones relacionadas con el presupuesto, el plan de estudios y la matricula y los preparativos para la educación especial.

Está previsto que el Consejo vote el contrato el 15 de Diciembre de 2022. Si se cumplen todas las condiciones, la escuela abrirá sus puertas en otoño de 2023. Vea la presentación completa aquí.

Comité Asesor del Tablero Escolar

El personal del distrito compartió actualizaciones e información relacionada con el Comité Asesor del Tablero Escolar, incluyendo el contexto histórico, propósito del comité y cronograma para postularse y participar.

En Agosto de 2020, el Consejo de DPS adoptó la Resolución 4079 en la que DPS debe adoptar el marco estatal de rendimiento escolar (SPF) para la rendición de cuentas. Además, “Un tablero escolar local y público debe estar disponible… en línea con la visión y los valores del [Plan Estratégico de DPS]”. El desarrollo del Tablero Escolar debería incluir a “profesores, líderes, familias, estudiantes, miembros de la comunidad, miembros del comité”.

El Comité Asesor del Tablero Escolar hará recomendaciones al superintendente sobre la información que debe incluirse en el tablero escolar y proporcionará información para realizar cambios en las versiones iniciales del tablero escolar. Un subgrupo del comité solicitará la opinión y los comentarios de la comunidad para informar el trabajo del tablero escolar. El objetivo es crear un tablero escolar para el otoño de 2024.

La solicitud para formar parte del Comité estará abierta del 30 de Noviembre al 1 de Enero. El equipo de Participación Familiar y Comunitaria (FACE) puede proporcionar apoyo adicional a cualquier familia o miembro de la comunidad que rellene la solicitud llamando al 720-423-3054.

Los detalles adicionales incluyen:

  • Lo más probable es que la primera reunión se celebre en persona el Martes 7 de Febrero por la tarde.
  • Las futuras reuniones, informadas por los miembros del comité, se celebrarán en persona o virtualmente.
  • En caso necesario, se prestarán servicios de interpretación y traducción.
  • Se proporcionará comida para todas las reuniones presenciales y guardería para los miembros del comité que lo necesiten.

Los miembros del Consejo entablaron un debate en el que formularon preguntas y compartieron sus preocupaciones sobre el proceso, la finalidad y las repercusiones de la creación de un comité.

Para más información, consulte la presentación completa aquí.

Revisión de pólizas de Gobernanza de Políticas

El personal del distrito presentó una segunda lectura de las políticas de fines y limitaciones ejecutivas “para refinar y hacer que estas políticas funcionen bien para este Consejo de educación”. Las segundas lecturas están publicadas en el sitio web del distrito.

Comentarios del público

La comunidad expresó sus opiniones sobre diversos temas a través de testimonios públicos. Puede inscribirse aquí para hacer comentarios públicos y hablar directamente al Consejo sobre lo que le importa.

COMPROMETERSE CON EL CONSEJO

¿Quiere dar a conocer al Consejo su opinión sobre alguno de estos temas? Puede inscribirse para hacer comentarios públicos y hablar directamente al Consejo sobre lo que le importa. Puede inscribirse aquí.

The results are in

Elections | 11/11/2022
Post author Krista Spurgin
Krista Spurgin Executive Director

After a busy election season, I woke up feeling so proud of the work our team and volunteers did to support Colorado’s education champions! Volunteers sent 170,000 texts to Coloradans in the past couple weeks and today, we’re celebrating big wins with them.

In addition to the re-election of Governor Polis, and the election of Stand endorsed candidates in the Senate and the House, we are incredibly excited about the election of Kathy Plomer and Rebecca McClelland to the State Board.

Our focus will continue to be on prioritizing ways to improve early literacy, making sure our students are prepared to graduate on time, and ensuring our schools and communities are safe and supportive spaces for students to thrive. We are excited to share with you our policy priorities and work with you to advance them next legislative session. 

Kathy Plomer is our pick for State board

Elections | 11/4/2022
Post author Ivana Bejaran Rib
Ivana Bejaran Rib State Organizing Director

Eight Colorado parents and community members have sent over 34,000 text messages over the last few weeks in support of State Board of Education candidate Kathy Plomer. These volunteers are supporting Kathy because she is a problem solver, a public servant, and a mom. They know she will fight to ensure all our kids have access to high quality education, mental health resources, and equitable funding. 

We’ve been sharing information about how important it is to ensure we have the right people serving on the State Board of Education. Kathy wants to make Colorado public schools a place where parents want to send their kids, educators want to work, and students love to learn. 

Learn more about why you should support Kathy

I hope you will join me and our volunteers in voting for Kathy Plomer for At-Large representative on the State Board of Education. Your ballot needs to be dropped off by 7pm Tuesday, November 8 but no need to wait – you can drop it in a secure ballot drop box as soon as you are done voting.  You’ve got this! 

Your Voter Guide: State Board of Education Members

Elections | 10/27/2022
Post author Kate Dando Doran
Kate Dando Doran

Here’s your guide to voting for education champions for the State Board of Education this November in four easy steps!  

1.) Learn more about the State Board.  

2.) Decide what’s important to you in a candidate!  

  • Do you want to elect someone that has experience in education? Is it important that your candidate talks about mental health supports for students?

3.) Research the candidates! 

4. VOTE! Be sure to complete your ENTIRE ballot and vote all the way through, including the At-Large candidate for State Board of Education.

You’ve got this! Your ballot needs to be dropped off by 7pm Tuesday, November 8 but no need to wait – you can drop it in a secure ballot drop box as soon as you are done voting. 

SPECIAL ALERT: DPS Proposes Unifying 10 Elementary and Middle Schools

This Month at the DPS Board | 10/26/2022
Post author Vallerie Bustamante
Vallerie Bustamante Organizer
photo of Denver skyline with words this month at the DPS Board

Tonight, Denver Public Schools (DPS) announced its proposal to unify 10 elementary and middle schools due to declining enrollment in the district. DPS has been experiencing a decline in enrollment for years due to lower birth rates and other factors. In Colorado, schools are funded based on student enrollment so smaller schools receive less funding which impacts students and educators in a variety of ways. In 2022, the district convened a committee to create criteria to close and consolidate schools. 

According to information released by the district the following schools are being recommended for consolidation based on the criteria:

  • Columbian Elementary will unify with Trevista at Trevista 
  • Palmer Elementary will unify with Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment K-5 grades at Montclair and ECE at Palmer
  • Math Science Leadership Academy (MSLA) will unify with Valverde Elementary at Valverde
  • Schmitt Elementary will unify with Godsman Elementary at Godsman 
  • Eagleton Elementary will unify with Cowell Elementary at Cowell
  • Fairview Elementary and Colfax Elementary will unify with K-5 grades at Cheltenham and ECE at Colfax
  • International Academy of Denver at Harrington will unify with Columbine Elementary  and Swansea Elementary in a new enrollment zone with Columbine and Swansea
  • Denver Discovery School will unify with schools in the Greater Park Hill – Central Park Enrollment zone
  • Whittier K-8 will unify with schools in the Greater Five Points Elementary Enrollment Zone and the Near Northeast Middle School Enrollment Zone

This plan will be presented to the DPS Board of Education November 3rd and they will vote on it Thursday, November 17th. You can watch board meetings here. A public comment session is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 14. 

Sign up for public comment

For Impacted Families:

If your school is on this list, we know this information is incredibly difficult to hear. The district has provided this family toolkit with more information about the process and timeline and your school leader will be a resource for you. Our team will share additional information and resources as we receive them. If we can support you please email me here. 

So….about the State Board of Education 

Elections | 10/21/2022
Post author Kate Dando Doran
Kate Dando Doran Communications Director
Rear view of little boy and his classmates raising arms to answer teacher’s question during the lecture in the classroom.

I’ll be honest, before I worked at Stand I didn’t think much about the members of the State Board of Education and their impact on education in Colorado. Now that I’ve learned more, I know that the State Board plays a really important role guiding education in our state.  

For better or worse, decisions made by the elected directors of the State Board of Education will impact education for my kids. So, why am I writing you about the State Board of Education today? It’s because towards the very end of our very long general election ballot this year is your decision on who you want to represent you on the State Board. You will also vote for an At-Large (statewide) Director, a seat added after the most recent census.  

READ ABOUT WHO WE ARE SUPPORTING 

There are seven elected members of the State Board responsible for overseeing the Colorado Department of Education, appointing our commissioner, approving our education budget, accrediting school districts and the programs preparing our teachers, and distributing millions of federal dollars. 

Here are a few ways the State Board is impacting education in Colorado RIGHT NOW:  

Make sure that those elected to the State Board of Education reflect Colorado’s values and commitment to our students. While it may not get the most attention, these positions make impactful decisions about the direction of our education system. Ensure you complete your entire ballot – all the way through State Board of Education Directors— and vote for champions! 

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