Author: Nicole C. Brambila [email protected]
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Sheridan school board approves teachers’ contract, ending historic strike
The Sheridan teachers strike that languished through much of the month is officially over. The Sheridan School District Board of Education unanimously voted Tuesday to accept the union contract. “It has been a long road to get to today,” Sheridan Educators Association President Kate Biester said in a statement to The Denver Gazette after this…
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Colorado measles cases surge, near highest level in decades
With nearly 20 measles cases so far this year, Colorado is on track to record its highest number of infections since the disease was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000. Last week, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated Lake County teenager. As of April 28,…
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Cherry Creek School Board member resigns after ‘racialized remarks,’ district says
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a response from former board member Terry Bates, which was received after publication. Cherry Creek School Board Member Terry Bates resigned after making “racialized remarks,” the district announced Friday. District officials did not disclose what the remarks were. “When a member’s actions fall short of board…
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DPS board advances bell-to-bell cellphone ban, approves “Safe Zones” policy
The Denver Public Schools Board of Education unanimously voted on Thursday to create a bell-to-bell cellphone ban for students, advancing the measure for adoption before the July 1 state mandate. The ban drew wide support from the community committee tasked with creating a policy, with 100% of members agreeing there should be no smartphones, watches,…
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Deal reached to end Sheridan teacher strike, classes could resume Monday
Gov. Jared Polis announced a deal has been struck between the Sheridan School District and Sheridan Educators Association that could get students back into the classroom as early as Monday. “I urge both sides to officially ratify the agreement quickly to avoid further delay,” Polis said in a statement. “These students have already missed critical…
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As Sheridan strike hits 17 days, Polis signals possible state intervention
With a teachers’ strike in Sheridan School District 2 entering its 17th day — the longest in more than four decades — Gov. Jared Polis is pressing both sides to reach a deal as the dispute draws state attention and potential intervention. “This interruption is really hurting kids and families. Sheridan students have missed weeks…
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DPS committee backs bell-to-bell cellphone ban
Students might have to ditch their cell phones if the Denver Public Schools Board of Education follows a recommendation to adopt a bell-to-bell cellphone ban. A Communication Devices Advisory Committee was formed earlier this year to comply with a new state law that requires school districts to adopt a cellphone policy by July 1. The…
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DPS names panel to shape $43M tax hike
A newly appointed Mill Levy Override Advisory Committee has been tasked with deciding how Denver Public Schools should spend more than $40 million in additional revenue, should voters approve the tax hike in November. The district received about 30 applications and accepted nine for the committee, said Scott Pribble, a DPS spokesperson. The group represents…
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9 Colorado hospitals at risk of closing due to Medicaid cuts
The $900 billion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade could threaten the viability of more than 400 hospitals nationally and at least nine in Colorado, a new report has found. The hospitals span the Front Range and rural communities, from Denver Health — the region’s primary safety-net provider — to smaller hospitals in places…
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Cherry Creek School District to pay assistant superintendent $190K to retire amid leadership shakeups
Cherry Creek School District taxpayers will pay Assistant Superintendent Anthony Poole more than $190,000 to retire at the end of the school year, according to the school district’s separation agreement. Obtained under the Colorado Open Records Act, the agreement stipulates that the Cherry Creek School District will pay him a lump sum of $187,925 under…