Approval of the bond could move to voters this fall if approved by the DPS Board of Education later this month
DENVER, COLO. — Weds., Aug. 7, 2024 — Today, Denver Families for Public Schools (Denver Families) announced its endorsement of a $975-million bond proposal that could appear on the Denver ballot this November. The announcement follows a community-led endorsement process during which Denver Families looked to DPS families, educators, graduates, and community members for their input.
“Denver Families works to reposition the community as the power brokers in public education,” said Denver Families CEO Clarence Burton Jr. “By endorsing the bond, we join our community in advocating for essential resources to fund critical repairs and enhancements to our public schools, ensuring Denver’s students and teachers have access to learning environments where they can thrive.”
As part of its endorsement process, Denver Families invited more than 25 DPS families, graduates, and educators to participate in a presentation and interview with representatives from DPS’ Community Planning and Advisory Committee (CPAC). In addition to these discussions, Denver Families conducted a grassroots door-to-door canvassing program (LEARN), reaching tens of thousands of households across Denver. The LEARN program surveyed community members about their top education issues, with funding for schools emerging as a leading concern. These findings were further emphasized by a recent poll commissioned by Denver Families, with results showing a majority of voters would support the bond this November.
To make it on the ballot, the DPS Board of Education will first vote on whether to send the proposal to voters — a motion that’s expected to take place later this month.
Earlier this year, the DPS board reviewed recommendations for how to allocate bond funds, which were presented by the 72-member CPAC. Key components include more than 150 critical maintenance projects, air conditioning for 29 schools without cooling systems, learning environment enhancements, safety and technology improvements, and arts, athletics and innovation facilities across the city.
“As a member of the CPAC, I know how much research, planning and scrutiny went into packaging a thoughtful proposal for our public schools,” said Anabell Hernandez, a DPS mother and member of the CPAC who participated in the Denver Families’ community feedback sessions. “And as a mother, I know how desperately we need it. When Denverites cast their ballot this fall, I hope voters will say ‘yes’ to investing in our children’s future.”
About Denver Families for Public Schools
Denver Families for Public Schools is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to reimagine an equitable public education system in Denver by increasing civic engagement, shaping education policy, and developing the next generation of grassroots and civic leaders. The work of Denver Families is grounded in listening to the community, learning what issues they care about the most deeply, and partnering with communities as they take action to reimagine an equitable public education system.
