12 applicants for Denver school board vacancy talk about school closures, rebuilding trust
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. “Independent” yet “collaborative” was a common way the 12 applicants to fill a vacancy on the Denver school board described themselves at a forum Wednesday night. The board has long been plagued by…
Twelve people applied for a vacancy on the Denver school board after DJ Torres resigned due to conflicts with the board president. The applicants emphasized their desire to rebuild trust within the board, which has a history of infighting and personality clashes. One applicant, Scott Esserman, noted that everyone understands the job is challenging and that disagreements are inevitable.
The applicants came from various backgrounds, including parents of DPS students, former or current district employees, and retired principals. Many highlighted their experience navigating the district's systems, such as disability accommodations, gifted and talented identification, and bullying policies. Some stressed their independent nature and willingness to work with colleagues, promising to bring an objective perspective and find common ground.
The candidates also addressed key issues facing the district, such as declining enrollment, test score gaps between students of color and white students, and limiting in-school screen time. Applicants disagreed on whether school closures could be avoided, with some arguing that closures are necessary to keep schools open with sufficient funding. The board is expected to select three finalists on November 16 and appoint a new member on November 19.
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