Author: Nicole C. Brambila [email protected]
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DU enrollment falls 19% since pandemic peak, prompting reorganization
Odifure Udegbe walked the stage Friday to chorus of whoops and hollers as he received his Master’s in Science degree from the University of Denver. Originally from Nigeria, Udegbe said he enrolled at DU to make himself more competitive in a tough job market. “I think whoever is going to take a chance on me…
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Cherry Creek investigation tops $46,000 as district withholds invoices
After refusing to release the cost of the investigation into the former Cherry Creek School District superintendent and his wife, the district’s former human resources chief, officials said they have spent more than $45,000. As of June 1, Kaplan and Earnest had invoiced the district $46,031.85 for the investigation, records show. The district hired the…
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Cherry Creek hires search firm for new superintendent
The Cherry Creek School District board earlier this week approved a nearly $30,000 contract with McPherson & Jacobson to conduct a national superintendent search. The measure was unanimously passed on Monday without discussion. Founded in 1991, McPherson & Jacobson is an executive recruitment firm for public organizations and nonprofits. McPherson & Jacobson was one of two…
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Denver students face ‘bell-to-bell’ ban on cellphones
Starting next school year, Denver students will not be able to use their cellphones during school hours. The Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education unanimously passed a “bell-to-bell” ban Monday after a third reading. “Policies like this succeed not because of enforcement alone, but because people trust the adults implementing them,” Director DJ Torres…
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DPS adopts balanced budget plan while tax request looms
The Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education unanimously approved a $1.5 billion balanced budget for next school year without discussion on Monday. Earlier discussions on the budget had outlined a series of financial pressures — declining enrollment, uncertain state funding and rising costs — that officials had said would require new revenue to sustain…
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Former Cherry Creek School District superintendent alleges board promised benefits through June 2027
A demand letter from the attorney representing former Cherry Creek School District Superintendent Chris Smith alleges the board of education promised to pay his salary for 18 months if he agreed to voluntarily resign, which Smith did. He did so during an executive session held on Jan. 27 to discuss his mid-year review. The March…
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Denver schools grow back administrative ranks despite lower enrollment
Meanwhile, the district employs 262 fewer teachers compared to 5 years ago Denver Public Schools (DPS) has operated with thousands fewer students than its peak enrollment in 2019 but it has grown its administrative ranks back to nearly their pre-pandemic level, a Denver Gazette analysis of state staffing data shows. This finding mirrors a statewide…
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Denver schools advisory committee recommends $44 million tax hike in November ballot
Owners of median-priced Denver homes can expect to pay an extra $72 in school taxes annually if it passes A district advisory committee is recommending that Denver Public Schools ask voters to raise their taxes but, after receiving community feedback, differed sharply over how the money should be spent. The mill levy override committee prioritized…
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Cherry Creek school board fills vacancy left by Terry Bates’ resignation
In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the Cherry Creek School District Board of Education appointed Keith Frazier to the position left vacant by former Director Terry Bates, who resigned abruptly after making “racialized remarks.” The board considered five eligible candidates. The other candidates interviewed were:Christopher Locky, April Rasheeda Ouedraogo, Ross Peterson and Amanda Thayer. It’s unclear…
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DPS students back bell-to-bell phone ban | CLASSNOTES
The bell-to-bell cellphone ban doesn’t just enjoy wide support from the Denver Public Schools committee that recommended it, but also an overwhelming number of students are ready to ditch their devices during school. A survey of parents, students and staff found: The results of the survey were to be presented at Thursday’s board meeting. The…