Tag: Education
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Cherry Creek Schools superintendent resigns after allegations of toxic workplace
Cherry Creek Schools Superintendent Chris Smith resigned abruptly during an executive session Tuesday, school officials confirmed, after allegations of a toxic work environment surfaced earlier this month. “We’ve had some tremendous achievements under Chris’ leadership including Traverse, the first of its kind mental health facility for students; passing school construction bonds that will allow the…
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Gov. Polis highlights Colorado’s business climate and affordability during annual gathering
Gov. Jared Polis used his annual meeting with Colorado business leaders on Wednesday to take stock of his time in office, highlighting the state’s pandemic response, ongoing challenges facing downtown economies, and what he described as continued efforts to balance a strong business climate with affordability concerns. Polis was joined by leaders of some of…
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DPS budget update shows more than $6 million lost to declining enrollment
Denver Public Schools has lost more than $6 million in public funding tied to declining enrollment since the budget was approved, a financial update to be presented to the Board of Education on Thursday shows. The revenue loss is reflected in the district’s amended draft budget. DPS enrollment dropped by about 1,200 students — a…
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GUEST COLUMN: When Colorado schools dump unions, they excel
Last fall, the Colorado Education Association boasted that over 80% of the candidates it endorsed statewide won their races. But scratch beneath the surface of that talking point and you’ll find a very different story — one that reveals not union strength, but growing teacher discontent and a roadmap for educational improvement that doesn’t require…
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No TABOR refunds this year, as Colorado Gov. Polis warns of tight fiscal outlook
Gov. Jared Polis on Friday submitted revised budget requests for the next two fiscal years, calling for new public safety spending, changes to Medicaid growth, and renewed efforts to privatize Pinnacol Assurance. Notably, the governor said Colorado residents won’t get refunds from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). “We are focused on protecting the issues…
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PERSPECTIVE: Higher ed’s orthodoxy
The Writing Center at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU-Denver) no longer teaches proper English to its students. The Center’s webpages — removed from public view shortly after being publicized by the Complete Colorado news service — claim that Standard American English “privileges white communities and maintains social and racial hierarchies” and “privileges white populations…
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Transparency and debt defined Denver’s education stories in 2025
Denver Public Schools’ officials entered 2025 promising greater transparency and left the year defending how often they broke it. Board members on two-member committees — which must hold public meetings — met without notice to renegotiate the superintendent’s contract, and revise policy language. The Denver school board has long faced criticism for operating behind closed…
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Jeffco Public Schools workers to find about layoffs this week
Jeffco Public Schools employees received a voicemail from Superintendent Tracy Dorland Monday morning warning them of potential job cuts in the next year. “My holiday message this year is a more somber and serious one,” Dorland said in a voicemail obtained by The Denver Gazette. “Some of our colleagues in central services will receive notifications…
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Colorado aims to close talent gap with new workforce development agency, initiatives
Colorado’s education leaders and legislators are planning changes to the state’s workforce development programs – including the creation of a new state agency – to help more students earn college degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. Gov. Jared Polis, House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Sen. Jeff Bridges joined representatives from state agencies, universities, and apprenticeship programs to…
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Colorado’s universal preschool enrollment begins for upcoming school year
Enrollment is now open for Colorado’s universal preschool program, which provides up to 15 hours of free education for four-year-old children across the state. The $344 million program has served nearly 90,000 children since its creation in 2023, the Governor’s Office said. “Families across the state are saving more than $6,300 per year on free…