Denver Public Schools
Coverage of Denver Public Schools in the Nexus archive.
- Denver Public Schools gives update on current air conditioning construction projects
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.
- Zero charter schools have applied to take over the Denver schools that might close for low performance
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 Superintendent Alex Marrero no longer in the running for top schools job in Miami
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.
- Conservative law firm sues Denver Public Schools over its school board voting map
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.
- Conservative law firm sues Denver Public Schools over its school board voting map
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.
- All Colorado school districts must now have a cellphone policy. Here’s what the 20 largest adopted.
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.
- Weiser defeats Bennet for Democratic nod in Colorado governor’s race
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.
- Inside two Title IX investigations in Colorado that reflect a ‘new way of doing business’ under Trump
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.
- Trump administration gives Jeffco 10 days to change policies or risk losing federal funding
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 to school board: ‘I can no longer ignore these concerns’
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 to school board: ‘I can no longer ignore these concerns’
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.
- Ultimate frisbee players pushing for PE credit waiver in Denver Public Schools
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.
- Voter guide: Where the 2026 Colorado Democratic Party gubernatorial candidates stand on education
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 Superintendent Alex Marrero is reportedly a candidate for the top schools job in Miami
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.
- No more scrolling at lunch: Officials from 3 Colorado school districts discuss their cellphone bans
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.
- Cellphones, smartwatches, and other personal devices will be banned in Denver schools
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.
- Cellphones, smartwatches, and other personal devices will be banned in Denver schools
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.
- After vying for top Chicago job, Sito Narcisse lands interim role in Denver Public Schools
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.
- List: See which Colorado colleges offer guaranteed admission to some high school graduates
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.
- Denver school board debates whether members should give 48 hours’ notice before visiting a school
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.