Denver School Board Election: Key Candidates and Critical Issues
Denver, Colorado – A pivotal election for the future of Denver Public Schools is underway, with voters set to decide four of the seven seats on the Board of Education this fall. The outcome will determine whether a new majority takes control of the state’s largest K-12 district, amidst significant financial hurdles and complex policy debates.
Financial Strain and Potential School Closures
Denver Public Schools is confronting increasing financial difficulties, driven by declining student enrollment and reductions in state and federal funding. This situation has already fueled over $250,000 in campaign spending as candidates seek support from organizations like the Denver Classroom teachers Association and Denver Families Action, a group advocating for charter schools. Difficult decisions lie ahead, including the possibility of additional school closures if budgetary pressures intensify.
Dividing Lines: Key Policy Debates
The election unfolds against a backdrop of national political issues impacting local schools. Denver Public Schools finds itself navigating controversies surrounding gender-neutral bathrooms and federal immigration policies, drawing scrutiny from the national level. Candidates are also grappling with questions about school choice, the role of charter schools, and safety measures such as armed police presence within schools.
Candidate Positions: A Detailed Look
Recently,the eleven candidates participated in a debate hosted by Chalkbeat Colorado,CBS Colorado,and Educate Denver,revealing their stances on these crucial issues.
At-Large candidates
Deborah Sims Fard has withdrawn from the race due to a medical issue, but her name will remain on the ballot.
Alex Magaña
Alex Magaña, currently an executive principal, supports school choice and both charter and innovation schools, but opposes using public funds for private school vouchers. He advocates for respecting students’ preferred pronouns and names and believes the board should retain its own legal counsel. magaña does not favor banning cellphones or placing armed police in schools, and stated a willingness to consider school closures based on academic performance or low enrollment.
Amy Klein Molk
Amy Klein Molk, a parent and entrepreneur, supports respecting students’ pronouns, allowing parental opt-outs from lessons, banning cellphones, and independent legal counsel for the board. She opposes school closures based on either academic performance or enrollment and does not support armed police in high schools. Molk emphasized her commitment to strengthening neighborhood schools.
District 2 Candidates
Mariana del Hierro
Mariana del Hierro, the executive director of a local food security nonprofit, has prioritized addressing achievement gaps among Latino students. She supports school choice and gender-neutral bathrooms but remained noncommittal regarding potential school closures, emphasizing the need for community dialogue.
Xóchitl “Sochi” Gaytán
Xóchitl Gaytán, a current board member seeking re-election, previously voted to reinstate armed police officers in schools following a shooting and supported a temporary pause on school closures. She has expressed criticism of charter schools, alleging they divert resources from traditional public schools.
District 3 Candidates
Caron Blanke
Caron Blanke supports an open-minded approach to potential school closures, acknowledging an expected 8% enrollment decline by 2029 and seeing charter and innovation schools as essential to equitable education.
Scott Esserman
Scott Esserman, also a current board member, opposes closing schools due to academic issues, but has previously voted in favor of closures related to declining enrollment. He supports gender-neutral bathrooms and questions the emphasis on school governance models – charter, innovation, or district-run – as a primary concern for students and families.
Donald “DJ” Torres
Donald Torres opposes school closures for both academic and enrollment reasons and supports gender-neutral bathrooms.He recognizes the role of charter schools within the system but stresses the need for increased accountability.
District 4 Candidates
Jeremy Harris
Jeremy Harris opposes lessons on sexuality, racism, and gender identity at the elementary and middle school levels, favoring lessons that promote American values. He supports school choice, gender-neutral bathrooms, and increased security measures such as metal detectors and background checks.
Monica Hunter
Monica Hunter does not support metal detectors, advocating for a holistic approach to school safety. She supports gender-neutral bathrooms, opposes school closures, and believes parents should have school choice while acknowledging the need for greater charter school accountability.
Timiya Jackson
Timiya Jackson supports school choice and accountability for all schools, including charters, and supports gender-neutral bathrooms.She would not vote for a school closure based solely on test scores.
Michelle Quattlebaum
Michelle Quattlebaum,a current board member,has previously voted to close schools due to low enrollment but now supports a four-year pause on such decisions. she opposes closures based on academic performance.
| Candidate | District | Key Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Magaña | At-large | Supports school choice, charter schools, respecting pronouns. |
| Amy Klein Molk | At-Large | opposes school closures, supports student pronouns, bans cellphones. |
| Mariana del Hierro | District 2 | Addresses achievement gaps, supports school choice. |
Did You Know? Colorado has seen a significant increase in charter school enrollment over the past decade, prompting debates about their impact on traditional public schools.
Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with the candidates’ stances on school funding and enrollment projections to better understand their approaches to potential school closures.
What factors will most influence your vote in this election? Do you believe school choice expands opportunity or detracts from public education?
Understanding School Board Roles
School boards are essential components of the public education system, serving as the link between communities and schools.They establish policies, manage budgets, and oversee the superintendent’s work. Their decisions directly impact students, teachers, and families.
The role of a school board member extends beyond attending meetings. It demands a deep understanding of educational best practices, financial management, and legal frameworks surrounding education. Effective board members are also skilled communicators and consensus-builders.
Recent trends in school board governance include increased community involvement, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on equity and inclusion. As school districts navigate complex challenges, the importance of a well-informed and engaged school board has never been greater.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary role of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education? The board sets policies, manages the budget, and oversees the superintendent.
- What are the key financial challenges facing Denver Public Schools? Declining enrollment and reduced state and federal funding are major concerns.
- What is the debate surrounding charter schools in Denver? Some argue they offer choice and innovation, while others worry they draw resources from traditional public schools.
- What is the stance of the candidates on school closures? Positions vary, with some supporting closures based on enrollment or academic performance, and others opposing them.
- How can I find more facts about the candidates? Visit their campaign websites (linked throughout the article) and review their responses to questions from organizations like Chalkbeat Colorado.
- What is the significance of the November election for DPS? Four of seven seats are up for grabs, which could change the majority of the board.
- What are gender-neutral bathrooms and why are they a topic of debate? Gender-neutral bathrooms are accessible to individuals nonetheless of gender identity, and their implementation has sparked controversy due to differing views on inclusivity and privacy.
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