Denver Public Schools releases list of schools it plans to close

Denver Public Schools is considering closing some schools due to low enrollment. There are 10 elementary and middle schools that are in jeopardy. 

In a statement, DPS said the move would help them focus on each student.

"We believe that students thrive when they have a fully staffed school, consistency in the staff and leadership of the school, sufficient whole child wraparound supports, and enrichment opportunities," the statement read. "In order to achieve our vision of Every Learner Thrives, in a declining enrollment environment, we have to concentrate our resources to be sure we can adequately support each and every learner."

The district's plan, includes the following proposals:

• Columbian Elementary will unify with Trevista at Trevista
• Palmer Elementary will unify with Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment K-5 grades at Montclair ECE at Palmer
• Math Science Leadership Academy (MSLA) will unify with Valverde Elementary at Valverde
• Schmitt Elementary will unify with Godsman Elementary at Godsman
• Eagleton Elementary will unify with Cowell Elementary at Cowell
• Fairview Elementary and Colfax Elementary will unify with K-5 grades at Cheltenham and ECE at Colfax
• International Academy of Denver at Harrington will unify with Columbine Elementary and Swansea Elementary in a new enrollment zone with Columbine and Swansea.
• Denver Discovery School will unify with schools in the Greater Park Hill – Central Park Enrollment zone.
• Whittier K-8 will unify with schools in the Greater Five Points Elementary Enrollment Zone and the Near Northeast Middle School Enrollment Zone.

Tay Anderson, Denver Public School Board vice president, said he opposes the move to close the schools. 

"Let's make this easy, at this time I will be voting NO on closing all 10 schools," he tweeted Tuesday evening. "To clarify, I am not supportive of school closures."

The nonprofit Denver Families for Public Schools wrote in a tweet: "Supt. Marrero recommends 10 school closures, 3 weeks ahead of a vote by @DPSNewsNow's school board. Student, parent & community voices all matter & must be heard. DPS has a duty to put together a robust and authentic engagement plan to ensure all are heard."

Denver City Councilwoman Jamie Torres, who represents district 3, pointed out the schools in her district that would be closed, called the changes, "profound."

"3 of the schools are in District 3. Fairview in Sun Valley, Eagleton in Villa Park, Colfax in West Colfax. Profound changes ahead. Website has next steps and FAQ," she tweeted.

The recommended list of schools and the process of closing and consolidating schools will be presented to the Board of Education on Thursday, Nov. 3. The Board of Education will then vote on the recommendation on Thursday, Nov. 17.

For more information, visit www.dpsk12.org/declining-enrollment-unification-plan.