Addressing Declining Enrollment - DPS Snapshots with Natalie Brigham District Updates for Nov. 8

1. Denver Schools Thrive Initiative and Addressing Declining Enrollment

The following schools have been impacted: 

Elementary schools recommended for Closure: 

• Columbian Elementary
• Castro Elementary
• Schmitt Elementary
• International Academy of Denver at Harrington
• Palmer Elementary

Secondary Schools Recommended for Closure

• Denver School for Innovation and Sustainable Design
• West Middle

Schools with Grade Level Restructures. 

• Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy
• Dora Moore 
• Denver Center for International Studies - Baker

Team DPS has made each of the affected schools a school webpage with more information

Timeline: 

• Nov. 11-15 - Board Engagement: The BOE will hold  meetings and will hold a special public comment at each of the schools. 
• Nov 18-21 - Superintendent Engagement: The Superintendent will hold  meetings at each of the schools recommended for closure and consolidation. 
• Nov. 18: Public Comment. Only individuals who have not previously signed up and spoken to the BOE at one of the Special Public Comment meetings at an impacted school will be allowed to sign up to speak at this meeting.
• Nov. 21: Board vote.

Visit the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative Web Page. 

2. DPS School Calendar Survey for 2025-2027

Your input is crucial in planning our school calendars for '25-26 and '26-27. Please complete our calendar survey. 

3. A New Newsletter– the DAC Dispatch

The DPS District Accountability Committee (DAC) is a group of parents, community members and staff members who provide recommendations to DPS at the district level. Read the Nov. edition in English and Spanish. The monthly DAC meetings are open to the public. For more information, visit the DAC webpage. To subscribe, complete this form.

4. Your Voice/Tu Voz Family Survey 

The Your Voice/ Tu Voz Survey has been extended until TONIGHT, Nov. 8 at 11:59 p.m. Please complete the survey by 11:59 p.m. tonight to have your voice heard.

5. 2024 Denver Bond PASSES 

Thank you, #Denvervoters, for supporting our students by voting YES on ballot issue 4A! With a $975 million bond approved, we’re ready to tackle important upgrades across the district—from cooler schools to more advanced learning environments. Here’s to building a brighter future, together!