Denver School Closure Plan Faces Strong Community Opposition

Overview

• Superintendent Alex Marrero has proposed closing seven schools and restructuring three others in response to declining enrollment.
• Students, parents, and teachers are protesting the closures, emphasizing the loss of tight-knit communities and potential bullying at larger schools.
• The plan aims to create new enrollment zones to ensure equitable access to higher-performing schools, but critics argue it disrupts communities of color.
• Concerns have been raised about the accuracy of enrollment data and the impact of new housing developments on future school populations.
• Board members are engaging directly with affected communities, a change from previous closure proposals, with a vote scheduled for next Thursday.