Denver Public Schools to Reimplement School Closure Policy Based on Performance

Updated May ‍27, 2025
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After seven years, Denver Public Schools ⁣(DPS) is set to reinstate a policy that ⁢could lead to school closures based on academic performance. Superintendent Alex Marrero’s new School Transformation Process, slated to begin in August, marks a shift from recent decisions that prioritized declining ⁣enrollment over academic metrics.

The move has sparked debate,with some seeing it as a return to controversial reform-era tactics. Van Schoales, senior policy director at Keystone Policy Center, called the decision “bizarre,” given the district’s recent moves to unify previously closed schools and apologize for past closures.

Marrero’s‍ plan aims to improve academic outcomes by restructuring operations, creating new schools, or closing existing ones. This approach echoes strategies used by former superintendents ⁤to transform ⁤DPS into Colorado’s largest K-12 system. However, Marrero and school⁣ board members emphasize that this⁣ new process will provide more support and a longer timeframe for ⁢schools before closures are considered.

A key component of the school Transformation Process involves including all DPS schools—district-run, innovation, and charter—under the same accountability standards. For ‍this to happen,charter schools ⁤would ⁣need⁣ to relinquish their right to appeal closure decisions to the Colorado⁣ State Board of Education. Marrero believes this will create ‍greater accountability across all school types in Denver.

Marrero⁢ said the goal is to prevent ⁤state intervention in struggling schools. Colorado’s Accountability Clock allows schools to have ‍low performance ratings for five⁤ consecutive years before the state steps in. DPS currently‍ has 25 schools on this clock. Marrero believes DPS should intervene locally ⁣before the state becomes involved.

Under the new policy, DPS will consider “renewing” or⁢ “reconfiguring” schools in their first three years on the Accountability Clock. Renewal could⁢ involve changes to programs or‍ staff, while reconfiguration might alter the grade levels a school serves. Closure would be ‍considered ⁢for schools in their ‍fourth year, potentially replaced by a new provider.

District-run ‍schools already on the Accountability Clock will not face⁣ immediate closure when the policy takes effect,⁣ but could see operational or staffing ⁤changes. All schools on the clock will be eligible ⁤for closure starting in fall 2026, contingent on charter school ⁤agreement. Abraham Lincoln High is⁤ exempt due to existing state involvement. Academy 360 and Rocky Mountain Prep Noel could be among the first to face closure if their⁤ performance doesn’t improve.

Denver has a history of school closures, a legacy ⁣that ⁢continues‍ to influence DPS decisions. The district‍ became known for education reform ‍in the mid-2000s by closing low-performing schools and ⁤opening new ones. since 2007, DPS ⁢has opened about 65 new schools and ⁤closed, restarted, or replaced more than ‍30.

Former Superintendent Tom Boasberg, who led‍ DPS⁣ from 2009 ⁣to 2018,⁤ shared Marrero’s ⁣belief that DPS had a responsibility to intervene in struggling schools faster than the state could. He also felt the state’s expectations for ‍schools were too ⁣low.

“I don’t foresee this⁣ resulting in closures as that would be an absolute failure on our part,” ‍Marrero said.

Boasberg said the⁢ district provided ⁢struggling schools with additional resources ⁢and created networks of schools led by experienced principals. However, if interventions failed, DPS would close schools and build new ones with new leadership and teachers.

While proponents of⁣ DPS’s reform policies cite studies ⁣showing increased graduation rates and improved academic performance, critics point to the displacement of students, particularly students of color. Former ⁢Manual High students have been‍ vocal about the negative impact of school closures on Black and latino students.

Denver⁢ Classroom teachers Association⁢ President Rob Gould expressed “guarded support” for Marrero’s plan, noting⁢ concerns about potential⁣ closures despite promises of increased support. He emphasized the need ‍for real support systems rather than simply closing and restarting schools.

DPS leaders maintain ⁣that this time,low-performing schools will receive more help and have more time to improve. Joe ⁣Amundsen, executive director of school transformation at DPS, said the district will now support schools while they are on the clock, a departure from past practices.

School board member Scott Esserman said previous school closures felt⁣ “punitive” and⁣ lacked support for struggling schools. Several board members, including President Carrie Olson, have historically opposed closing schools ⁤based on test scores.

Marrero does not need board approval to implement most of his policy, but directors will vote on ⁤any school closures.Olson expressed “guarded support” ‍for the policy, hoping the district has learned from past mistakes.

what’s next

The implementation of the School Transformation Process will be closely⁤ watched, particularly how charter schools respond to the proposed‍ changes and‍ whether‍ the promised support ⁣for⁤ struggling schools materializes into tangible improvements.