Page 2 - Scott Esserman News Today

Nine candidates are running for three open seats on the Denver school board at a time when gun violence around schools has heightened safety concerns.

Members of Denver’s school board spent more than $40,000 traveling to conferences this past year, more than double the amount spent in other metro districts -- and a figure that has spurred directors to call for changes in how the board handles expenses as the district faces financial constraints brought on by declining enrollment.

The Denver school board wants to hear feedback on two proposed policies that could shape the district’s approach to declining enrollment and school closures.

The Denver school board president said public comment will be limited to a total of two hours going forward as a ‘temporary solution’ to the problem of too-long meetings.

An investigation by Denver Public Schools found that employees at McAuliffe International School, including former Principal Kurt Dennis, violated district policy by placing students in two rooms without proper supervision and either locking or holding the doors shut while doing so, according to a letter summarizing the findings.

Ulcca Joshi Hansen is dropping out of the race for an at-large seat on the Denver school board, citing the outsize role of outside spending in board races.

Denver’s school board voted Thursday against reinstating a middle school principal who was fired after publicly speaking out about the district’s educators being required to check students for weapons.

The Denver school board backed the decision to fire Kurt Dennis. The McAuliffe International principal spoke out about safety concerns, then was accused of mistreating students.

The Denver school board had been set to vote on waiving its conflict of interest policy so Anderson could work in a Denver school. Anderson now says he’s found another job.

The Denver school board is set to vote Thursday on whether to pause a policy prohibiting board members from working for Denver Public Schools.