DJ Torres resigns from Denver school board amid escalating tension and accusations

Denver school board member DJ Torres announced his resignation from the board on Thursday, citing "too much of my time and energy consumed by internal conflict." Board President Xóchitl Gaytán had recently accused Torres and Vice President Monica Hunter of numerous policy violations, which the board was set to discuss at a meeting.

This resignation adds to the recent struggles the board has faced with interpersonal conflict and investigations. A spokesperson for Denver Public Schools confirmed receiving Torres' resignation and stated that the board would address it at the meeting. Under state law, the board has 60 days to appoint a replacement. Torres, a former DPS teacher and current District 3 representative, was elected in November 2025 with the goal of improving schools for students.

He ran for office to make a difference, not to navigate interpersonal conflict or political cycles. Torres was in frequent conflict with Gaytán and Hunter, as acknowledged in the allegations. An investigation into one serious allegation, Hunter allegedly using antisemitic language, has been ordered, but not the allegations against Torres.

These allegations include missing meetings, not attending a district-paid conference, refusing to speak with Gaytán by phone, and allegedly giving unauthorized directives to Superintendent Alex Marrero. Torres has defended himself by stating board policy does not require perfect attendance and that he paid back all conference expenses except the fee.

He claims he refused to communicate with Gaytán by phone to ensure interactions were documented. Torres' resignation comes after he has been under strain due to the board's dynamics, prioritizing his family's well-being over his public role.