Denver School Board Candidates Present Final Appeals Ahead of Election

As the countdown to the election on November 4, 2023 approaches, candidates for the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education have taken the opportunity to address voters directly. Each candidate was allotted two minutes to present their vision and priorities for the district, highlighting their qualifications and the changes they seek to implement.

Amy Klein Molk, running for the At-large seat, emphasized her commitment to transparency and community engagement. She criticized her opponents for spreading misinformation about her record and highlighted her endorsements from notable organizations such as the Denver Classroom Teachers Association and the American Federation of Teachers. With over two decades of experience in education, Klein Molk asserts that her focus will be on providing strong neighborhood schools, fair pay for teachers, and ensuring that every student is prepared for the future.

In a similar vein, Alex Magaña, also running for the At-large seat, shared his extensive background in DPS, where he has served for 25 years as a teacher and administrator. He expressed concern over high teacher burnout and low academic outcomes, advocating for a supportive environment for both students and educators. By bringing resources to classrooms and fostering a love of reading through partnerships, he aims to address existing inequities within the system.

District 2 candidate Mariana del Hierro spoke about the significant achievement gaps in her district, particularly for Latinx students. Citing data from the Colorado Department of Education, she noted that 22 of the 25 elementary schools in District 2 are below 40% proficiency in math and reading. Del Hierro’s platform focuses on reducing class sizes, increasing community voice, and ensuring that all students in District 2 receive the support they need to excel.

Xóchitl Gaytán, a candidate for the District 3 seat, framed her campaign around her personal experiences as a DPS parent. She highlighted her leadership in advocating for equity and support for underserved communities, including the establishment of the DPS Immigration Task Force. Gaytán is committed to ensuring that all students, particularly those from immigrant and LGBTQ backgrounds, feel safe and supported in their schools.

Challenging the status quo, Caron Blanke emphasized the need for new leadership within DPS. As a mother of three and an early childhood educator, she believes in creating high-quality learning experiences for every student. Blanke advocates for smaller class sizes and better compensation for teachers, asserting that community feedback should inform school district decisions.

On the other hand, Scott Esserman, seeking re-election to the District 3 seat, highlighted his background as a career educator. He pledged to continue focusing on equity and opportunity, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources and early literacy programs. Esserman aims to ensure that every child feels safe and supported within the school system.

In a passionate address, Dr. DJ Torres framed his campaign around the need for families to feel represented in DPS. As a special educator and parent, he underscores the importance of community support and trust in educators. Torres has received endorsements from the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, and he is vocal about resisting efforts to privatize public education.

Jeremy Harris, a candidate for District 4, brings a unique perspective as a DPS parent and small business owner. He advocates for community-driven educational reform, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved academic outcomes. Harris is also focused on addressing school safety concerns and preparing students for various career pathways.

In District 4, Monica Hunter distinguishes herself as the only candidate with direct classroom experience. She emphasizes the importance of teacher endorsements and community support, positioning herself against the influence of external funding sources that aim to privatize education. Hunter is committed to enhancing resources within classrooms and fostering a collaborative environment among educators and families.

Lastly, Timiya Jackson aims to leverage her diverse experience in education to advocate for high-quality learning opportunities for all students. She emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and community engagement in ensuring that every student achieves their potential. Jackson’s background as a re-engagement specialist for dropout intervention informs her approach to addressing the needs of all students within DPS.

As the election draws near, these candidates are setting forth their visions and priorities, highlighting their commitment to improving education in Denver Public Schools. Voters are encouraged to consider these messages as they prepare to make their choices on November 4.