Denver Schools Thrive Initiative
Addressing Declining Enrollment with Equity and Empathy
Overview
What is Executive Limitation 18?
Executive Limitation 18, or EL 18, provides guardrails on how the Superintendent approaches the process to address declining enrollment.
Why is it Necessary to Address Declining Enrollment?
Due to limited resources at schools impacted by low enrollment, not every student has access to the same opportunities. Addressing this challenge ensures that every student thrives, every teacher and leader is supported and our resources are used to create better opportunities for all of Denver’s students.
What is the Purpose of Regional Educational Engagement?
DPS is committed to serving students and communities equitably and empathically in this process. During September and October, DPS will host six regional meetings to discuss enrollment trends and engage in learning about declining enrollment with Denver communities.
What Happens Next?
On Nov. 7, the Superintendent will provide recommendations to the Board of Education. Following that, there will be an opportunity for engagement with the Board and the Superintendent, leading into Public Comment on Nov. 18. Next, the Board of Education will vote on the recommendation.
Benefits of Addressing Declining Enrollment
Improved Student Experience
Increased access to mental health resources.
Allowing for more time with specialized roles that serve numerous schools districtwide.
Increased funding for programs like art, P.E., technology and music.
Improved Staff Experience
More robust support from school and district leadership.
Greater opportunities for feedback, observation and coaching.
More funding directly in the classroom at all schools.
Improved Systems Experience
Maximized use of district resources.
Relieving pressure on operational services.
Additional program offerings.
More funding for improved learning environments.
This information is also available as a PDF.
Have more questions? View the Executive Limitation 18: Declining Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions here.
Regional Engagement Sessions
We encourage community members to stay involved by:
Attend Meetings: Participation in upcoming meetings and events.
Provide Feedback: Sharing thoughts and concerns through our various feedback channels.
Support Each Other: Working together as a community to support our students, families, and staff during this time of change.
Below are the dates and locations of the six regional meetings. If you are planning to attend one of these meetings, please complete this form.
Review the presentation material here.
Date & Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|
Regional Engagement Session 1 (Southeast) | Tuesday, September 24 | South High School |
Regional Engagement Session 2 (Central) | Wednesday, September 25 | Manual High School |
Regional Engagement Session 3 (Northwest) | Monday, October 7 | CEC Early College |
Regional Engagement Session 4 (Southwest) | Monday, October 14 | Abraham Lincoln High School |
Regional Engagement Session 5 (Far Northeast) | Tuesday, October 15 | Montbello High School |
Regional Engagement Session 6 (Virtual) | Tuesday, October 22 | Virtual (Zoom) |
Timeline
Phase | Date | Action |
|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | June 13, 2024 | Board approved version 1 of Executive Limitation 18, or EL 18 |
August 15, 2024 | Board discussed and revised Executive Limitation 18 in service of clarity to support operationalization | |
August 29, 2024 | Superintendent provide update on timeline associated with EL18 | |
Phase 2 | Week of September 23 through October 18, 2024 | Regional Education Engagement: Host six regional meetings to discuss enrollment trends, implications of declining enrollment and gather input |
Phase 3 | November 7, 2024 | Superintendent bring forward recommendation to the Board of Education, incorporating community feedback and data analysis |
November 18, 2024 | Public Comment | |
November 21, 2024 | Board slated to vote on recommendation | |
Phase 4 | December 2024 - June 2025 | Providing support and visioning together: Student, family and staff support; bring communities together to create shared vision; conduct school-level engagement meetings to prepare for the future, focusing on operational planning and student transitions |
Phase 5 | Fall 2025 and Beyond | Operationalize changes, monitor and improve |
Frequently Asked Questions
If you would like to ask a question not answered here, please fill out this form.