Denver Public Schools sets public meetings at each of 10 schools up for closure or restructuring

Denver Public Schools’ Board of Education will host special public comment sessions next week ahead of members’ vote on whether to close or restructure 10 schools.

Superintendent Alex Marrero on Thursday announced his school consolidation plan, which the district is considering because of declining K-12 enrollment. The school board will vote on whether to close and restructure schools on Nov. 21.

The board has a regular public comment session scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at DPS headquarters, 1860 Lincoln St. Students, educators, families and community members can weigh in during that meeting on the proposed closures and restructuring, which involves a reduction in the number of grades taught at the affected schools.

The board is also hosting special public sessions at the individual schools being considered for closure or restructuring between Monday and Friday.

The sessions will be in person and last an hour.

Public comments will also be limited to the school’s students, staff and families, according to the district’s website.

Board members will meet with staff and families potentially affected by the closures during the day next week.

Here are the DPS board’s special public comment meetings at schools recommended for closure:

• Castro Elementary, 845 S. Lowell Blvd., at 7 p.m. Wednesday
• Columbian Elementary, 2925 W. 40th St., at 7 p.m. Friday
• Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design, 840 E. 14th Ave., at 4:50 p.m. Monday
• International Academy of Denver at Harrington, 2401 E. 37th Ave. at 7 p.m. Monday
• Palmer Elementary, 995 Grape St., at 4:50 p.m. Thursday
• Schmitt Elementary, 1820 S. Vallejo St., at 4:50 p.m. Tuesday
• West Middle School, 951 Elati St., at 4:50 p.m. Friday

Here are the board’s special public comment meetings for schools recommended for restructuring:

• DCIS Baker 6-12, 574 W. Sixth Ave., at 7 p.m. Thursday
• Dora Moore ECE-8 School, 846 Corona St., at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday
• Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy, 2250 S Quitman St., at 7 p.m. Tuesday

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