It’s been more than a month since Superintendent Tom Boasberg announced he would step down as leader of Denver Public Schools (DPS). With nearly 10 years as superintendent behind him, Boasberg leaves a district that looks markedly different from the district he began leading in 2009. Since then DPS has improved graduation rates, held the title of the fastest growing large urban school district in the country, and become a national model for school choice. At the same time, sweeping reforms — often judged for being made with a lack of transparency and community engagement — still leave the state’s largest school district facing significant achievement gaps.
And while those outside of the Mile High City have started asking where DPS goes from here, it’s the locals who now have the chance to voice their opinions. The Board of Education has created several opportunities for students, parents, and community members to share their thoughts on what the next superintendent should prioritize. Individuals may provide the board direct feedback at large regional meetings, small stakeholder meetings, an upcoming public comment session (Sept. 6th at 5PM) or via an online survey, which has yet to be released.
Here at CO School Talk, a regional blog powered by Education Post, we believe those who are impacted most by our community’s schools should always have a say in how they’re run. Whether you’re a student, family member of a student or educator, tell us how your experience in Denver Public Schools has shaped your thoughts on where DPS goes next and who should lead the way.
Read our writing guidelines and send a 400-600 word blog post to [email protected] to be considered for the CO School Talk blog. Your story and your experience matter, so let us help you publicly share your thoughts on the current state of DPS and its direction, your hopes for the future of DPS, the and characteristics and values you’d like to see in the next superintendent.
If selected to be published, your blog will be promoted through Education Post’s local social media platforms right here in Colorado.