Denver Schools Thrive Initiative Regional Meeting Feedback

There’s a desire for more transparency regarding the data used to make closure decisions, especially around enrollment projections and financials. Respondents also want to know the outcomes of past school consolidations and how they affected families and staff.

A key request is for a clearer understanding of how community input is being used and to improve transparency in decision-making.

Some respondents feel that the district’s engagement efforts may be superficial, with calls for deeper participation and follow-up actions after community meetings. They also requested clear communication, particularly for non-English-speaking families, and transparency about the district’s decisions.

• Responses highlight the need for consistent access to educational resources like STEM labs, art, music, PE, mental health support, and after-school programs, regardless of a school’s size or funding through PTAs.
• There is a desire to maintain small schools that provide close-knit environments, while ensuring they have adequate resources, similar to larger schools.
• Some respondents want special considerations for schools with unique programs like early childhood education (ECE) or special education programs, fearing that closures could affect access to these services.

Many respondents feel the current timeline for decisions, particularly regarding school closures, is rushed and doesn’t give families enough time to adjust. They want a clear, long-term plan that takes into account community input.

• Respondents are worried about the impact of school closures on students and families, particularly in communities that have received new arrivals.
• Many stress the importance of having comprehensive transition plans for schools being consolidated, to ensure that students, families, and staff are supported through the process with minimal disruption.

Some feel that decisions are being made without adequate community involvement or accountability, which contributes to distrust of the district. There are calls for the district to "own" its decisions and show follow-through.

• Respondents highlight the importance of community in schools and the potential harm that consolidations could cause to existing school cultures. They are concerned about how merging different communities could disrupt established school environments and traditions.
• There is concern about the emotional and cultural impact of school consolidations on both students and staff, with respondents highlighting the importance of ensuring smooth transitions including mental health support and structured handovers between schools.

Respondents worry about the job security of teachers and support staff affected by closures.

• Many respondents hope that this process will lead to better academic outcomes for all students, especially low-income and marginalized students. They want a focus on improving resources and closing the equity gap.
• Respondents express hope that the district will respect the uniqueness of different schools, particularly in terms of SchoolChoice, and ensure that wraparound services and community partnerships are maintained during transitions.