Statement from Rob Gould, special education teacher and president of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) on the Denver Public Schools (DPS) School Board Election Results:

CONTACT
Angelina Reed
Denver Classroom Teachers Association
AReed@coloradoea.org
720-663-7618

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Rob Gould, special education teacher and president of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) on the Denver Public Schools (DPS) School Board Election Results:

“Educators have a mix of emotions regarding the election results from last night, as we are concerned about defaulting back to reform era policies that once plagued our district,” said Rob Gould, special education teacher and president of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA).

“We can all agree that we want safe and excellent schools for every student. We remain committed to working collaboratively with all board members who are willing to do so. We must ensure that students receive the support they need, and educators have a meaningful role in guiding and shaping future decisions made in Denver Public Schools.

“It’s also important to acknowledge that there has been a concerning influx of out-of-state dark money influencing this election. Many of these efforts were funded by billionaires and charter school networks, during a time of school closures and declining enrollment. We must remain vigilant and question the motivations of these individuals and groups, as their “investment” in the election raises questions about expectations and implications for the future of Denver Public Schools.

“As voters and educators, it is our responsibility to hold all board members accountable for their decisions, ensuring they prioritize the well-being of students and educators, regardless of the endorsements they received during the election. We heard all candidates talk about reducing class sizes and caseloads while ensuring that our educators have competitive salaries. Something we’ve continuously advocated for. We will hold all board members accountable to that.

“In the face of challenges like declining enrollment, school safety concerns, housing, healthcare costs, and the high cost of living, educators are committed to positive change. Our goals include:

Rethinking the Discipline Matrix
Reducing class sizes and caseloads
Increasing salaries
Improving healthcare and benefits,
Making schools safer with more support at the school level

We need board partners who will support and advocate for these changes through action and policy.

“We would like to express our appreciation for Scott Baldermann and Charmaine Lindsay for their service on the school board. They have been excellent partners with educators and have remained committed to bringing better working and learning conditions to students and educators. We additionally appreciate Charmaine’s diligence and focus on bringing safety solutions to our schools, especially during a time when students are facing challenges with mental health.

“We extend our thanks to Kwame Spearman for bringing a new perspective to community challenges with housing, especially during a time of declining enrollment. Educators and families are struggling to afford living in their respective communities. We commend his efforts to address this issue and spark many meaningful conversations.

“Regardless of our differences, we recognize the need to come together with board members and the community to work towards the goal of providing the best possible education for all students. We will advocate for our seat at the table, ensuring that educators have a meaningful role in the decisions that impact our working environments and students learning environments.”

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