Denver School Board Proposes Moratorium on Future Closures Amid Community Concerns

DENVER, Colo. — The Denver school board is considering a pause on future school closures while administrators finalize plans for any current closures. This proposal emerges three months after the board proposed cuts due to low enrollment rates for the upcoming school year.

The discussion arises as community members express concerns about the impact of constant closure discussions. Board member Michelle Quattlebaum, who originated the proposal, stated, “We consistently heard from the community, ‘This is too much. We need to catch our breath.’”

While the proposal does not detail a specific timeline for the moratorium, several board members suggested a possible two- to three-year halt on future closures during a recent meeting. Board President Carrie Olson intends to add this matter to the agenda for a first reading on Feb. 20.

The existing policy, known as Executive Limitation 18, mandates that the superintendent present a timeline for potential school closures each August. However, the proposed amendment stipulates that no new closure recommendations will be made until any currently approved closures are finalized, unless significant changes in enrollment, funding, or an emergency situation arise.

Superintendent Alex Marrero noted that the process of executing a closure would realistically take a minimum of two years, with the current closures not yet underway. “We need to carry out our current plans before introducing new ones,” he said.

Quattlebaum emphasized that uncertainty surrounding school closures contributes to anxiety among families and educators. “What we do not want to happen is we don’t want our teachers, our educators leaving schools for fear that they may end up on a list,” she explained, highlighting how staff departures can diminish education quality.

In a related context, neighboring Jeffco Public Schools had enacted a similar school closure moratorium a few years ago, which has since ended. Jeffco has since closed 21 schools due to declining enrollment.

The board is yet to set a date for the vote on this proposal, which must undergo both a first and second reading before the final decision can be made.