Declining Enrollment 2023 …
Dear Members of the Denver Public Schools Community,
As Vice President of the Denver School Board, it is my responsibility to make difficult decisions that ultimately benefit our students, families, and community. It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that I will be voting to close two schools, MSLA and DDS, due to declining enrollment and the budget crisis that our district is currently facing.
I understand that this news may come as a shock to some of you in the community, and I want to assure you that this was not a decision that I made lightly. I have spent countless hours studying the data, speaking with members of the school community, and consulting with my fellow board members to make an informed decision.
I want to acknowledge the impact that these closures will have on students, families, and staff. I recognize that schools play a significant role in their communities, and I understand the disruption and uncertainty that these closures may cause.
However, it is our responsibility to ensure that every student in Denver has access to a high-quality education, and the reality is that we cannot sustain all of our schools with the current enrollment numbers. We must make difficult decisions to ensure the financial stability of our district and to provide the best possible education for our students.
I want to address the potential closure of Fairview School, which has raised many concerns in the community. While I understand the reasons behind the proposed closure of schools due to budget constraints and declining enrollment, I believe that we need to take a cautious approach when it comes to closing schools that serve vulnerable populations.
Fairview School serves a high immigrant population, and I am not confident that these families fully understand the potential closure and its implications. Additionally, during the community meeting regarding school closures. It is crucial that we consider the perspectives of all members of our community, particularly those who may be marginalized or underrepresented.
After careful consideration and consultation with members of the school community, I have decided that I will not vote to close Fairview School at this time. I believe that we need to gather additional information to ensure that we are making the best decision for our students.
I want to assure parents and students that the Superintendent and his staff will work with them to identify the best possible options for continuing their education in other schools within the district. There is also a commitment from the Superintendent to work to ensure that teachers and staff affected by these closures are supported throughout this process.
I recognize that this decision is difficult, but I am confident that it is the right decision for the long-term success of our district. I am committed to working closely with our school communities to provide the resources and support necessary for a successful transition.
Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Auon’tai Anderson, Denver School Board Vice President
