Important Updates on Beacon Network Schools Innovation Zone

Spring | Issue 34 | Date: April 19, 2023

Funding Great Schools. Rooted in Community.

Denver Public Schools Votes to Revoke Beacon Network Schools Innovation Zone

We are deeply troubled and disappointed by the Denver Public Schools Board of Education’s 5-2 vote on Monday, April 10, to approve Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero’s recommendation to revoke the Beacon Network Schools innovation zone.

RootED Denver has been a longtime supporter of Beacon Network Schools. We have provided operational grants to support the network’s popular enrichment programs, which offer unique learning opportunities and activities to students. The flexibilities offered by the zone’s innovation plans allow every student to participate in these learning opportunities beyond the traditional academic setting.

The district failed to present meaningful evidence and actionable plans to back up the assertion that the schools currently in the Beacon Network will perform better under district management. Further, the board did not engage in a coherent discussion about the broader purpose and value of innovation zones.

The Beacon Network has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of students through strong academic and enrichment programming and we are concerned that the incremental supports provided to students and families will be reduced or eliminated as DPS scales down their funding over the coming years.

During the past several months, hundreds of students, families and educators at the Beacon network’s schools—Grant Beacon Middle School and Kepner Beacon Middle School—have advocated for their innovation zone, and nearly 100% of teachers in the schools voted to support their zone and schools’ innovation plans. Teacher and community voice matter and their voices, needs and desires have been ignored in this process.

Students, families and educators have pleaded with the district to maintain the Beacon Network Schools innovation zone, which provides support for the network’s robust enrichment program. In the absence of the innovation zone, students, families and educators have valid concerns about the future of their schools.

The superintendent’s and the board’s actions set a precedent for imposing change instead of partnering with communities to co-create new opportunities.

RootED will continue working to hold Denver Public Schools accountable for its responsibilities to students, families and educators and the promises and commitments that were made to this community. We are committed to continuing our partnerships with innovation zones and schools to advocate for their autonomy, and we will collaborate with schools and community organizations to co-create learning environments and opportunities that are best for Denver’s students and families.

Students at KIPP Northeast

Denver Leadership Academy Make

Their Voices Heard in Denver Election

Earlier this month, students at KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy walked to a ballot box at the Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center to cast their ballots in an important municipal election.

More than 90% of the school’s eligible students registered to vote in the election.

“Us voting shows that we are present here, and it's nice to have an impact in our community,” student Flumely Carmona told 9News reporter Katie Eastman.

Watch the 9News story

Hear From Denver’s Candidates for Mayor

You’re invited to join EDUCATE Denver

at a forum with Denver’s candidates for mayor,

Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston.

Tuesday, May 2 | 4:30-6 p.m.

at Manual High School in the auditorium.

The forum will be moderated by CBS Colorado and Chalkbeat. Candidates will be asked about the city’s role in providing a high-quality education to Denver students, student safety, opportunities for higher education and career pathways, and how they would use the mayor’s office to advance education-related priorities.

They’ll also be asked about issues that intersect with education, including affordable housing, mental health support for Denver residents, community violence and crime, and the local economy.

Get Ready for Round 2 of the

Denver Public Schools SchoolChoice Process

Round 2 of the Denver Public Schools SchoolChoice process is expected to begin at the end of this month.

Round 2 is for families who did not participate in Round 1 or for families who want to re-examine their school options. Round 2 applications are processed on a first-come first-served basis, so families should be prepared to submit their applications as soon as possible.

The district’s SchoolChoice webpage has a school finder tool, answers to frequently asked questions, and contact information for the district’s department of choice and enrollment.

To stay informed about the start date for Round 2, follow Denver Public Schools on Facebook or Twitter, and subscribe to the district’s newsletter.

Learn more about Round 2 of SchoolChoice

Volunteers are Needed at Angel Cafe

FaithBridge and Church in the City are collaborating to expand and enhance Angel Cafe, a safe space for Denver students to have lunch, participate in activities, and connect with community partners and resources.

Angel Cafe (1580 Gaylord St., Denver, 80206) will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and local vendors will provide food and drinks for purchase. Angel Cafe needs volunteers to make the space successful and sustainable, and to expand services to after school.