Voters Just Passed a $975M Bond for DPS. So Why Are Schools Closing?
Nov 14, 2024
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Alexis Menocal Harrigan, a former education policy advisor and DPS parent, joins to unpack the recent proposal to close ten schools in Denver. She highlights the stark contrast between community anticipation after a hefty bond measure and the district's ongoing challenges with enrollment and funding. Alexis discusses the implications of closures for equity, particularly for marginalized students, and reveals the political maneuverings at play. Her insights show why these decisions matter to everyone, not just parents.
The proposal to close ten schools in DPS raises concerns about equity and access to education for marginalized communities.
Despite the recent approval of a $975 million bond, the district's rationale for closures reflects deeper issues of enrollment and resource allocation.
Deep dives
School Closures and Community Reactions
Denver Public Schools (DPS) has proposed the closure or consolidation of ten schools due to declining enrollment and funding challenges, prompting an emotional response from parents and stakeholders. This situation is complicated by the recent approval of a nearly billion-dollar bond for DPS, which raises questions about the district's financial decisions and priorities. Community members express concerns about the impact on students, particularly from historically marginalized neighborhoods that may experience further inequity as a result of these closures. Parents are notably anxious about how these changes might affect access to education and vital community resources typically housed in schools.
Methodology Behind School Closures
DPS's rationale for selecting these schools for closure involves a structured methodology that considers factors such as building utilization rates, enrollment trends, and geographic proximity to other schools. Schools under 65% utilization are particularly scrutinized, alongside demographic information that reflects broader district trends. This approach aims to create a more equitable landscape in the district by focusing on underperforming schools and those that lack vital resources, rather than making decisions solely based on enrollment numbers. While the process is viewed as a positive step toward equity, it still generates concern about the long-term implications for displaced students and their families.
Political Dynamics and Community Engagement
The political backdrop surrounding the proposed school closures is particularly contentious, marked by recent criticisms of leadership decisions at DPS, including salary raises for administrators amidst these proposed changes. Community engagement has been limited, with tight timelines for public comment and insufficient opportunities for families to voice their opinions effectively. This has led to a call for increased transparency and involvement, as many community members feel sidelined in the decision-making process. The upcoming vote by the school board on November 21st is critical, with advocates from various groups urging their neighbors to participate in discussions and express their perspectives on the future of their schools.
Just 18 months after an emotional board debate ended with three schools closing, DPS superintendent Alex Marrero has proposed the closure or consolidation of ten more schools in the district. The news came just after election day, leaving the community with less than two weeks to share their thoughts ahead of a school board vote on November 21. But beyond declining enrollment and funding issues, what else is DPS weighing this time? And what’s different about their approach? Former education policy advisor, DPS parent, and Boardhawk columnist Alexis Menocal Harrigan joins host Bree Davies to explain why you should care about your neighborhood school closing, even if you aren’t a parent.