Denver Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero, announced Thursday evening that the following schools are recommended for closure:

Colombian primary school
Castro Primary School
Schmitt Elementary School
Denver International Academy in Harrington
Palmer Elementary School
Western High School
Denver School for Innovation and Sustainable Design

The following program changes or school restructurings – which do not require a board vote – are also recommended (ECE stands for Early Childhood Education):
Kunsmiller only goes 6-12 (remove 1-5)
Dora Moore only becomes ECE-5 (remove 6-8)
DCIS Baker 6-12 becomes DCIS Baker MS (remove 9-12)

Marrero made the announcement during a Board of Education work session. The school district said in a statement that the closure recommendations were made “to ensure that all DPS students receive the same level of learning opportunities and comprehensive supports, regardless of where they live in the district or what school they attend.”

Next week, board members will visit the affected schools to meet with families and staff.

On November 18, DPS will receive feedback from the community during the board’s public comment session.

Then on Nov. 21, the school board will vote on which schools they want to close and consolidate.

In the fall of 2022, Marrero recommended 10 schools that met the criteria for closure, but the school board rejected his recommendation as a rushed process. It withdrew the resolution and directed the superintendent to address declining enrollment. Last year, the district closed three schools: Denver Discovery, Fairview Elementary and Math and Science Leadership Academy.

This year, the board will try a new model, including prioritizing a cluster of schools that are close together and have low enrollments, and considering avoiding dangerous paths when developing new attendance patterns for children.

“We know how difficult it will be, so we are taking this very seriously,” said Dr. Carrie A. Olson. “We are thinking about community engagement which the board will be involved in at all the schools next week, we want to hear from the communities.”

“We will do this with as much care and attention as possible,” she said.