Superintendent Marrero Talks School Safety, Rumored Closures, and the State of DPS

Denver Public Schools let out for the summer last week, which means DPS superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero now has one full school year under his belt — and it was a rough one. Declining enrollment sparked fears of school closures. A beloved Northside teacher was let go, prompting student walkouts and protests. Mass shootings tested DPS’s security plans and resurfaced the debate over cops in schools. And oh yeah, COVID-19. Host Bree Davies sits down with Dr. Marrero to go through the ups and downs, and his plan for the future. For more on the issues Bree discussed with Dr. Marrero, here’s a few links: Recommended school closure criteria presented to Denver school board [Chalkbeat, 6/2/2022] Denver school board votes to phase police out of schools [Chalkbeat, 6/11/2020] He’s a Beloved Northside Teacher. Why Did DPS Let Him Go? [City Cast Denver, 5/11/2022] One Denver Teacher Says They’re Not Just Burned Out, They’re Being Set on Fire [City Cast Denver, 1/11/2022] With the school year wrapping up last week, there’s been a ton of news related to DPS and other schools across the state. Newsletter Editor Peyton Garcia has got all the important stuff rounded up for you in today’s CCD newsletter: https://denver.citycast.fm/newsletter/ What do you think about the possibility of school closures? Tweet at us @citycastdenver Learn more about the sponsor of this episode: Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise