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City Cast Denver

Voters Just Passed a $975M Bond for DPS. So Why Are Schools Closing?

Nov 14, 2024
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.
25:33

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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