Denver Public Schools

Denver voters will consider a $44 million tax increase in November for the city's public schools. If passed, the funds would provide every Denver Public Schools employee with a $1,750 raise and support expanding student mental health and special education services. The measure is expected to increase property taxes by about $72 per year on a median home price of $624,800.

School districts across the Denver metro area are returning to in-person learning with varied start dates, new phone policies, and updated bell schedules. Aurora Public Schools and others have implemented 'bell-to-ball' phone bans, while Jefferson County Public Schools continues security measures following a high-profile shooting.

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Denver Public Schools and the Bethel School District over allegations of a teacher requiring same-sex student kissing and a Pride Month exhibit displaying testosterone vials. The probes assess potential violations of a federal law allowing parents to opt out of evaluations on sex-related topics. Both districts stated they took actions to address the incidents, including removing the vials and firing the teacher.

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Denver Public Schools and Bethel School District for alleged violations of federal laws protecting parental rights, including claims of a teacher requiring same-sex student kissing and displaying testosterone vials during an LGBTQ Pride Month exhibit. Both districts stated they have taken disciplinary actions and removed the contested materials.

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Denver Public Schools over a teacher accused of making students kiss during a French class skit. The district fired the teacher, and the investigation will examine compliance with Title IX, parent opt-out requests, and notification about the assignment.

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Denver Public Schools and the Bethel School District over allegations involving a kissing exercise and a Pride month exhibit with testosterone vials. The probes aim to determine if these districts violated a federal law allowing parents to opt out of school evaluations on sex-related topics.

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Denver Public Schools and the Bethel School District over allegations involving a kissing exercise and a Pride month exhibit with testosterone vials. The probe focuses on potential violations of a federal law allowing parents to opt out of school evaluations on sex-related topics. Both districts stated they will cooperate with the investigation.

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Denver Public Schools and the Bethel School District over allegations involving a kissing exercise and testosterone vials in school activities. The investigation examines potential violations of a federal law allowing parental opt-out from evaluations on sex behavior. Both districts stated they will cooperate, with Bethel confirming unauthorized vials were removed and Denver finalizing a response.

The Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education met in an executive session with an attorney to address concerns raised by Superintendent Alex Marrero about the board's compliance with his employment agreement. Marrero highlighted the board's failure to complete required self-evaluations and their encroachment on his responsibilities, while the board acknowledged the need to improve their governance relationship. The board plans to review policies and conduct self-assessments ahead of a retreat on August 17.

Denver Public Schools has been constructing air conditioning systems in multiple schools during summer months over the last two years. The projects aim to install AC in schools currently without it.

No charter schools applied to take over Denver Public Schools at risk of closure due to low performance. Denver's School Transformation Process aims to replace or restructure persistently low-scoring schools, but district officials withdrew their own applications after no charter competitors emerged.

Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero is no longer a candidate for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools superintendent position, as the Miami-Dade school board narrowed its pool to six semifinalists. Marrero stated he remains committed to Denver and highlighted his focus on equity and support for Black, Latino, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ students, noting potential misalignment with conservative ideologies in certain regions.

A conservative law firm sued Denver Public Schools (DPS) over its 2024 school board voting map, alleging it was drawn with illegal racial intent. The lawsuit claims the map diluted White voting power while maintaining racial majorities in certain districts, violating the Fifteenth Amendment and Voting Rights Act. DPS has not yet commented on the case.

A conservative law firm sued Denver Public Schools over its 2024 school board voting map, alleging it was drawn with illegal racial intent. The lawsuit claims the map violated the Fifteenth Amendment and Voting Rights Act by prioritizing race-based representation for Black and Latino voters over the White population, referencing the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision.

Colorado's 20 largest school districts have adopted cellphone policies by a state deadline, with approaches ranging from full bans during school hours to hybrid rules allowing limited use for high school students. The policies aim to reduce classroom distractions and improve mental health, though some students and parents argue for phone access for emergencies and practical needs.

Phil Weiser is projected to defeat Michael Bennet for the Democratic nomination in Colorado's governor's race, according to Decision Desk HQ. Bennet was initially considered the favorite in the race.

Two Title IX investigations in Colorado under the Trump administration highlight a shift in enforcement practices, including reduced in-depth interviews and untested interpretations of policies. Denver Public Schools faced a probe over all-gender bathrooms, while Jeffco Public Schools was threatened with losing federal funds over boys' names on girls' sports rosters, which the district attributed to non-athletes.

The Trump administration has given Jeffco Public Schools 10 days to revise policies on transgender students or face losing federal funding. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights cited Title IX violations, including allowing 61 boys on girls' sports rosters, while Jeffco claims compliance with Colorado anti-discrimination law. The district warns it could lose over $90 million in funding.

Denver Superintendent Alex Marrero expressed concerns to the school board about its overreach into administrative matters, contract violations, and internal disputes, citing an increasingly untenable situation. He announced his job application for a role in Florida's Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Denver Superintendent Alex Marrero informed the school board he could no longer ignore concerns about the board overstepping administrative roles, violating his contract, and creating a contentious environment. He cited instances like a closed-door executive session excluding him and disputes among board members. Marrero, seeking a job in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, expressed these issues in a June 8 email to board President Xóchitl Gaytán.

Students in Denver Public Schools, including Liza Huggins and Straton Geddes, are advocating for a physical education credit waiver for ultimate frisbee. They argue the sport deserves recognition similar to sanctioned sports, with the Colorado High School Activities Association stating the decision is local, and the Boulder Valley School District allowing similar waivers at the discretion of school administrators.

Chalkbeat Colorado analyzed the education records of 2026 Colorado Democratic Party gubernatorial candidates, focusing on U.S. Senator Michael Bennet's career in education, including his tenure as Denver Public Schools superintendent and his legislative efforts. Bennet's platform includes raising educator wages, expanding career training, and improving mental health resources in schools.

Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero is a candidate for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools superintendent position. He has been Denver's superintendent since 2021, with a contract through 2028, and was previously a finalist for Chicago Public Schools and considered for New York City Public Schools.

Officials from three Colorado school districts discussed implementing cellphone bans to reduce classroom distractions and improve student focus. The Colorado Springs School District 11 and Denver Public Schools have adopted bell-to-bell bans, while Mesa County Valley School District 51 cited research linking phone use to anxiety and depression. Parents expressed concerns about emergency communication, but officials emphasized alternative methods like school landlines.

Denver schools will implement a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones, smartwatches, and personal devices during the school day starting this fall. The policy, passed by the Denver school board, includes exceptions for health, special education, and language access needs, and requires annual reviews of its effectiveness.

Denver schools will implement a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones, smartwatches, and personal devices during the school day starting this fall. The policy, approved by the Denver school board, allows exceptions for health, special education, and language access needs. The superintendent must ensure the policy is enforced consistently and review its effectiveness annually.

Sito Narcisse, a school administrator previously a finalist for the Chicago Public Schools CEO role, has been appointed as interim chief of schools in Denver Public Schools. He brings 15 years of education administration experience, including roles in East Baton Rouge, District of Columbia, and Nashville, though his tenure in East Baton Rouge was controversial.

Colorado colleges and universities are forming direct admissions agreements with school districts to guarantee automatic admission for high school graduates meeting specific GPA requirements. These partnerships aim to reduce college application stress, encourage in-state attendance, and improve access for low-income students, with varying eligibility criteria across institutions.

The Denver school board is divided over whether to require 48 hours' notice before visiting schools, with some members arguing it ensures respect and others claiming it hinders transparency. A 2021 policy mandating the notice period is under review, but the board postponed a decision after debates over its implications.