DENVER, CO — The Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA), today announced its endorsement of Xóchitl Gaytán for the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education’s District 2 seat. This comes in addition to DCTAs previously announced endorsements of Amy Klein Molk for the At-Large seat, Dr. DJ Torres for the District 3 seat, and Monica Hunter for the District 4 seat.
“As educators who work closely with students and families every day, we believe every child deserves a great public school close to home. That means safe, fully funded neighborhood schools where students are supported, educators are respected, and families feel welcomed – regardless of their race, identity, socioeconomic status, or zip code.” said Rob Gould, special education teacher and DCTA president.
“We’re proud to support Xóchitl Gaytán in her re-election to the Board because of her unwavering commitment to strengthening our public schools,” Gould added. “On the board, she has been a constant voice for students and educators by leading efforts to lower class sizes and expand resources that support students’ learning and well-being. Xochitl has also been a strong advocate for school funding in Colorado, working to ensure resources go directly to students and the educators who serve them.”
Xóchitl Gaytán was elected to the DPS Board of Education in 2019 and was previously endorsed by DCTA. Gaytán is a DPS graduate, DPS parent, and bilingual real estate agent serving predominantly Latino clients. As a sitting school board member, Xochitl supported educators through a contentious pay dispute with DPS, advanced policies to lower class sizes, and championed initiatives aimed to support immigrant students, and expand learning resources for historically underserved student populations.
“Xóchitl Gaytán is deeply rooted in Southwest Denver and has always been invested and committed to her community,” said Jamilla Lutnes, high school science teacher and DCTA Fund member. “As a DPS graduate and parent, she understands the challenges our families face and brings those lived experiences to her leadership approach.”
“I know Xóchitl will continue fighting for the strong neighborhood schools that every student deserves. She has never wavered in standing up to corporations and private interests trying to influence our schools, and I trust she will keep holding firm to those values.”
With the announcement of this endorsement, DCTA is encouraging Denver voters to stand with educators and support their endorsed candidates.
“Our endorsed candidates, Xóchitl, Monica, Amy, and DJ are the leaders educators trust to move this district forward,” said Rob Gould, special education teacher and DCTA president. “We invite families, community members, and public education supporters to join us in electing experienced and bold new leaders to the DPS School Board.”
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