Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) Statement on Dr. DJ Torres’ Resignation from the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education. The following can be attributed to Rob Gould, special education teacher and DCTA president:
Dr. DJ Torres has dedicated his career to students and public education as a special education teacher, former DCTA member, involved parent, and advocate for equity and school safety. We thank him for his service, and for the respect he has consistently demonstrated towards those working closest to students.
This situation should serve as a wake-up call to this School Board and DPS leadership.
For far too long, too much time and energy has been consumed by interpersonal conflict among the people at the very top, while failing to address the urgent challenges facing our students, families, schools, and educators.
The reality is that students and educators are working and learning under unsustainable conditions. Our classrooms are overcrowded, educator workloads continue to grow, students need more support, and too many educators are underpaid and overburdened.
Colorado’s school funding crisis, combined with the rising cost of everyday essentials and healthcare, only exacerbates these challenges. This is forcing many to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
As educators, we are expected to work through differences, solve problems collaboratively, and ensure students receive the attention and support they need. We expect the same of the people entrusted with leading this district.
Weeks ago, the DCTA Representative Council voted unanimously to call on the Board and Superintendent to focus on the students and adults who work closest to them.
Together, we continue to call on both Board and district leadership to:
- Focus on student outcomes and make sure every student has the educators, programs, services, and support they need.
- Support and secure desperately needed funding for our students, educators, and schools and while ensuring those resources reach classrooms.
- Protect immigrant and LGBTQ+ students, families, educators, and communities.
- Address declining enrollment, enrollment boundaries, and class sizes so students do not lose out on essential programs, educators, and supports.
- Work collaboratively with the DPS Benefits Board to address the healthcare affordability crisis.
- Pay DPS employees livable, competitive wages that allow the people serving Denver’s students to afford to live and work in our community.
- Respect employees’ right to organize and support DPS employees seeking union recognition.
Our students and educators cannot afford for this cycle to continue. Both the Board and district leadership have a responsibility to listen, focus, govern, and deliver on the work our schools, students, families, educators, and communities desperately need. We will continue to hold them accountable.
Serving in public office requires a great deal of time, knowledge, and experience. We recognize that this work is challenging and oftentimes goes unnoticed. We thank Dr. Torres for his service, and dedication to Denver’s students, and commitment to public education.”
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