Press Release - October 12, 2023

Contact: Nan Baumbusch
EDUCATE Denver Staff Director
info@educatedenver.org | 303-501-7287

EDUCATE Denver releases platform, calls on DPS Board candidates to pledge support

The platform, which has support from the mayor and other city leaders, outlines critical focus areas BOE members must prioritize in order to make meaningful change for students. 

Denver – EDUCATE Denver, a civic coalition for DPS students, today launched its platform outlining four focus areas that members believe must be prioritized in order to see meaningful change within Denver schools. Now, EDUCATE Denver is asking all 2023 Denver Board of Education candidates, and those who are elected, to pledge their support for this platform in order to set the school district on a positive trajectory. The platform can be found on the EDUCATE Denver website here.

As DPS’ current leadership lacks focus on student outcomes, and academic achievement gaps continue to increase, the platform outlines four pillars that members believe are critical focus areas that the Denver Board of Education must prioritize in order to reverse these trends and drive positive change for Denver students. These pillars are:

  • Deliver High-Quality Education to all Students

  • Maximize School Safety

  • Enable Parents to Direct Their Child’s Education

  • Demonstrate a Standard of Excellence in Leadership

For each priority area, EDUCATE Denver identifies specific actions the Board should take on behalf of students and the anticipated student outcomes members expect to be made as a result. 

During a media event, the platform was supported by multiple city leaders, including former mayors Federico Peña and Wellington Webb, as well as current Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who noted the importance of having high-quality leadership at the helm of Denver Public Schools. 

“I’m proud to join with this coalition in saying we believe this can be a city where everyone wants to raise a family. It can be a city where everyone wants to open a business. It can be a city where everyone feels safe on every block and every public park. And yes, in every public school. And that’s what we’re committed to accomplishing together,” Mayor Johnston said. 

EDUCATE Denver has shared the platform with all Denver school board candidates and has requested their pledge to support the four focus areas, as well as their agreement to pursue the actions identified as priorities should they win the election. These pledges will be shared publicly through the EDUCATE Denver website and social media channels.

“As we prepare to cast our votes for new members of the Denver Board of Education, EDUCATE Denver is providing citizens with information and tools so that we can all advocate for the high-quality education our DPS students deserve,” said Federico Peña, former Denver Mayor and EDUCATE Denver participant. 

About EDUCATE Denver

EDUCATE Denver is a coalition of civic leaders who are elevating ECE-12 education as the city’s No. 1 priority. The coalition is made of over 35 business, philanthropy, public policy, faith-based and community leaders who understand that high-quality education and a thriving city go hand in hand. Learn more and see the full list of participants at educatedenver.org.