November 8th 2024.
Superintendent Alex Marrero has presented a recommendation to the Board of Education on Thursday, suggesting the permanent closure or restructuring of 10 schools in Denver Public Schools. This decision comes in light of the declining enrollment in K-12 schools across Colorado, which is causing financial strain on the district. Marrero's proposal has been eagerly awaited by families and educators since his previous attempt to close schools two years ago.
During the meeting, Marrero expressed the difficulty of this task and explained the need for these closures in order to avoid a crisis. The conversation about school closures was reignited earlier this year when the board passed a consolidation policy, allowing Marrero to once again recommend closures as enrollment continues to drop. The plan includes the permanent closure of five elementary schools and two secondary schools, as well as the restructuring of three schools to serve fewer grades and fewer students.
If approved by the board in two weeks, the closures and restructuring will impact 1,844 students and 267 employees. However, staff members at these schools will have the opportunity to interview for other positions within DPS. A public comment meeting is scheduled for November 18th, and the board will vote on the plan on November 21st. It should be noted that board approval is not necessary for the restructuring of the three schools, which Marrero has stated he may still do regardless of the outcome of the vote.
The Denver Classroom Teachers Association and Movimiento Poder, an organization advocating for racial justice in DPS schools, have both expressed their disappointment in the district's community outreach regarding the proposed closures. The teachers union urges DPS to retain the teachers working at any schools that may close, while Movimiento Poder is calling for the immediate halting of the closure process.
One may wonder what will happen to the students and staff if the schools do close or are restructured. To make their recommendation, DPS officials considered factors such as the utilization of the school building and the location's enrollment trend. Out of over 200 schools, four on the list were proposed for closure by Marrero two years ago. This time, however, there is a significant increase in the number of middle schools on the list, indicating that declining enrollment is not just affecting elementary schools, but also secondary schools.
The majority of the schools on Marrero's list are located in northwest, southwest, and central Denver, which are areas that have been most impacted by falling enrollment. The proposal includes the closure of Castro, Columbian, Palmer, Schmitt, and International Academy, as well as the restructuring of DCIS Baker, Dora Moore, and Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy. Unlike the last time, Marrero's recommendation relies heavily on the implementation of enrollment zones, which include multiple schools rather than just one neighborhood school.
If these closures and restructuring are approved, families and staff members will be greatly affected. However, the district's financial stability and the need to provide equal opportunities for all students must also be considered. The decision is not an easy one, but it is a necessary step to ensure the long-term success of Denver Public Schools.
During a meeting of the Board of Education on Thursday, Superintendent Alex Marrero made a recommendation that Denver Public Schools should consider permanently closing or restructuring 10 of its schools. This would help the district avoid a looming "crisis" caused by declining enrollment in K-12 schools across Colorado.
Many families and educators have been eagerly awaiting this recommendation since Marrero attempted to close schools two years ago. According to Marrero, this has been a daunting task, but it is necessary for the future of the district.
The conversation about school closures was reignited earlier this year when the board passed a consolidation policy. This policy gave Marrero the ability to recommend closures as the district is facing a decrease in state funding due to declining enrollment. Under Marrero's plan, five elementary schools and two secondary schools would be permanently closed, affecting 1,844 students and 267 employees. Additionally, three schools would be restructured to serve fewer grades and children.
The closure plan will be voted on by the board in two weeks, but public input will be taken at a meeting on November 18th. However, the board's approval is not needed for Marrero to restructure the three schools. The Denver Classroom Teachers Association expressed disappointment about the district's lack of community outreach regarding the proposed closures and urged DPS to retain the teachers from any schools that may close.
Movimiento Poder, an advocate for racial justice in DPS schools, also criticized the district's community engagement regarding school closures. They are calling on the board to immediately halt the closure process, as the community is uncertain about the future.
One question that may come to mind is what will happen to the students and staff if schools do close or are restructured. To make their recommendation, DPS officials looked at criteria such as school capacity and falling enrollment in the region. It was found that four of the schools on the list were also recommended for closure two years ago, and this time, more middle schools are included. This is a sign that declining enrollment is not only affecting elementary schools, but also secondary schools in the district. The majority of the schools on the list are located in northwest, southwest, and central Denver, which have been hit the hardest by falling enrollment.
Marrero's list includes five elementary schools and two secondary schools for closure, as well as three schools that would be restructured. Unlike two years ago, the recommendation relies heavily on the implementation of new or expanded enrollment zones. These are boundaries that include multiple schools, rather than just one neighborhood school. If a school does close, the students would join a new or expanded enrollment zone, and one of the restructured schools would also join an enrollment zone.
Overall, the decision to close or restructure schools is a difficult one, but it is necessary for the future of the district. Marrero's recommendation takes into consideration the declining enrollment and the need to ensure the sustainability and success of Denver Public Schools. The final vote on the closure plan will take place on November 21st, and the district will continue to engage with the community and provide support for staff and students affected by any closures or restructuring.
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