President's Message

Greetings, APS Community!

As we move into the final stretch of the school year, I want to begin by recognizing the extraordinary hard work happening in our schools every single day. Our educators, classified staff, and school leaders continue to show up for students with care, creativity, and commitment— even when the work feels heavy. This time of year asks a lot of us, and I want to encourage everyone to persevere. The work you are doing matters deeply, and its impact reaches far beyond what we may always see in the moment.

At our most recent meeting, the Board took a meaningful step forward with a unanimous vote to approve a resolution that gives our classified employees the ability to begin the process of forming a union. This decision reflects our belief in honoring the voices, dignity, and rights of all members of our school community. Strong schools are built when every employee feels respected, heard, and supported.

We are also living in a time when hateful rhetoric feels increasingly normalized in our broader society. As leaders in education, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to be courageous—to speak up, to stand firm in our values, and to ensure our schools remain places of safety, belonging, and respect. This includes our unwavering commitment to support our immigrant families. Our schools must continue to be spaces where all families feel welcomed, protected, and valued, regardless of background or circumstance.

In that spirit of connection and engagement, the Board recently approved hosting APS Board of Education meetings at locations throughout the district to make it easier for more community members to attend and participate. Most of these off-site mobile meetings will begin during the 2026–27 school year, but we are excited to host our April 21 Board Business meeting at Aurora Central High School:

April 21, 2026

Board Business Meeting

Aurora Central High School Large Gymnasium

11700 E 11th Ave

6 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you at Aurora Central on April 21! Your voice and presence matter as we continue working together for our students and schools.

As an APS community, we are strongest when we center what we share in common: our care for students, our belief in the power of education, and our commitment to one another. By working together—across roles, schools, and experiences—we can continue to strengthen academic outcomes and create learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

With love,

- Tramaine Duncan, APS Board President

Important Board of Education News

During this last quarter, the Board has monitored the following results and limitations:

• GoPM 1.3, specifically monitoring the percentage of 3rd grade students who start the year “early on” grade level that meet typical growth on i-Ready ELA will increase from 69.7% end of year assessment to at least 79.7% on the 25-26 end of year i-Ready ELA assessment. We are currently at 36%.
• GoPM 2.1 and 2.3, specifically the percentage of 9-11th grade active students who are on track to graduate based on credits earned overall and in Math/English will increase from 52.1% in May 2024 to at least 57.6% in May 2026. We are currently at 65.1%.
• The percentage of 12th grade current year expected graduates (both active and inactive students who have dropped out) that are on track to graduate based on both credits (Math/English and Overall) and the Menu of Options in both Math and Reading Writing Communications will increase from 71.17% in May 2024 to at least 78% in May 2026. We are currently at 49%.
• GuPM 1.2: Staff Awareness and Knowledge of DEI. The percentage of APS staff who indicate they have awareness and knowledge of APS’ DEI values, principles, resources and support will increase from 58.3% in School Year 23-24 to at least 61.5% in School Year 25-26.
• GuPM 1.3: Perception of APS’ Commitment to DEI. The percentage of students, staff and families who agree that Aurora Public Schools has demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion will improve from 72.7% during the 2023-24 school year to at least 76% in the 25-26 school year.

We also...



• Adopted new Goals and Guardrails for the next 5 years. 
• Adopted a resolution to allow classified staff the ability to form a union. 
• Adopted a name for the new Dual Language school opening up fall of 2026, Escuela Bilingüe Betty Benavidez.

To read more Board news, discover upcoming agenda items, learn how to provide public comments and/or find the link to live stream our meetings, please visit our website at boe.aurorak12.org.