Tag: Denver Public Schools
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Denver school board censures Youngquist
Two weeks after district officials released a report clearing Director John Youngquist of overt racial bias, the Denver school board voted 5-1 to censure him during its meeting Thursday. Director Kimberlee Sia was the lone no vote. Youngquist abstained. More than half a dozen people spoke about Youngquist, most in support. “I want to express…
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Denver school board to consider censuring Youngquist
Two weeks after district officials released a report clearing Director John Youngquist of overt racial bias, the Denver school board will weigh censuring him when they meet on Thursday. A censure is a formal, public reprimand for serious violations of law, policy or unethical conduct. A censure does not remove a public official from office. It…
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DPS’ Alex Marrero named one of two finalists for Chicago Public Schools’ top job
After months of speculation — and repeated assurances that he wasn’t looking to leave — Denver Public Schools (DPS) Superintendent Alex Marrero is now one of two finalists for the top job at Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Marrero did not deny or confirm he is seeking the job. “While I have great respect for Chicago…
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Early leaders maintained lead in Denver school board race
The Denver Public School board of education candidates who led early on Election Night continued to gain ground, as additional results were released on Wednesday, with no races tightening as the day went on. As of noon Wednesday, about 70% of the votes cast had been tallied, according to the Denver Election’s Division. Updated vote…
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Denver school board reviews findings in John Youngquist probe
The Denver school board’s discussion of a report clearing Director John Youngquist of racial bias turned emotional Wednesday, as board members debated whether “intent” matters less than “impact” amid anonymous complaints that Youngquist said were not disclosed to him. Board members spent nearly 90 minutes expressing their disappointment in Youngquist and urging him to take…
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Investigation inconclusive on whether Denver school board member Youngquist acted with bias
The law firm hired to investigate whether a Denver school board member acted with “racial insensitivity” toward district staff did not conclusively find bias. The district retained Garnett Powell Maximon Barlow & Farbes on June 26 to investigate the allegations brought by Superintendent Alex Marrero, which included a claim that Director John Youngquist was vying…
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Denver school board candidates raise more than $400K for race
Eleven candidates competing for four open seats on the Denver school board have raised a combined $419,583 — far less than the record sums seen in the 2023 race, campaign finance reports show. That total is roughly 40% less than the $697,100 the 13 candidates who ran two years ago brought in. The average haul…
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Accusations of racism ripple through Denver school leadership
“Racist” has become a go-to accusation by Denver Public Schools leaders and those who attend board meetings. A White woman asking a Black heckler to stop? “Racist.” A White board member proposing guardrails on the board of education hiring outside counsel when the district has in-house Black counsel? “Racist.” Another White board member accused of…
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Denver school board weighs policy for superintendent’s evaluation
Five months after the Denver school board gave Superintendent Alex Marrero an early two-year extension on his contract, the board of education discussed the policy for his evaluation Thursday. But the proposed policy was not made available to the public until after The Denver Gazette inquired about it. Scott Pribble, a district spokesperson, said the…
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7 takeaways from Denver school board candidate forum
Candidates for the Denver Public Schools Board of Education clashed Tuesday over Superintendent Alex Marrero’s leadership, declining enrollment, school closures, new limits on public comment, and how to address the district’s persistent achievement gaps — drawing sharp contrasts between incumbents defending their decisions and challengers calling for change. Hosted by EDUCATE Denver, ChalkBeat and CBS…