Dr. Alex Marrero
Posted April 17, 2025
As we approach the final stretch of the 2024-2025 school year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made in Denver Public Schools. With just under two monthsleft in the school year, the energy and momentum within our district are palpable. This is a time of celebration, not just for what we’ve accomplished, but for the bright future we’re building for our students.
First and foremost, we must recognize our incredible student achievement gains. The district celebrated a significant milestone, with results from the 2023-24 school year graduation rates being announced. DPS saw an increase in the overall graduation rate reaching an all-timehigh of 80%. This achievement marked a continued upward trend, with graduation rates approximately 9 percentage points higher than they were prior to the pandemic, in the 2018-19 school year. These improvements reflect the hard work of students, educators, and the community in overcoming challenges and ensuring academic success.
I am also proud to report that in the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress mathematics and reading results, also known as The Nation’s Report Card, DPS saw gains across all four tested areas, and remains as one of the top performers among the 27 districts who participated in the 2024 Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA), which focuses ontrends in urban education.
We are fortunate to have exceptional leadership within our district. Three of our outstanding leaders have earned prestigious honors, underscoring the incredible talent and commitmentwe have within our ranks. Terita Walker has been recognized as the 2025 Colorado High School Principal of the Year, a true reflection of her commitment to empowering students and fostering a positive school culture. Hazael Román-Lagunas has been named the 2025 Colorado Outstanding Assistant Elementary Principal of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of his tireless dedication to our elementary students. And finally, Josh Allen, ourdistrict’s leading force in integrating technology, has been awarded the 2025 Dan Maas Technology Leader Award, a testament to his innovative approach to education in the digital age.
But the accolades don’t stop with our leaders. Janet Damon, a distinguished DPS teacher, has been named the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year and was named a finalist for National Teacher of the Year. This recognition highlights not only her teaching excellence but also the passion and dedication she brings to the classroom every day.
These accomplishments are just a glimpse into the many remarkable achievements that are happening across our district. One of the areas in which we’ve made tremendous strides is in Career and Technical Education. The ribbon-cutting of our first-ever DPS food truck marks a major milestone in offering students real-world experiences in the culinary arts and foodservice industries. We’re proud to have launched a new Engineering Pathway at the Career Education Center Early College, giving students the chance to pursue post-secondary education and careers in engineering. Montbello Career and Technical High School isbreaking new ground by incorporating electric vehicles into their automotive pathway,equipping students with the skills they need for the automotive industry’s future.
We are also deeply proud of the achievements in inclusion and advocacy. Merrill MiddleSchool recently earned recognition as a National Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics.
This designation honors schools that meet rigorous standards of excellence in inclusion, advocacy, and respect, and Merrill has undoubtedly set a high bar for others to follow.
Our district is also leading the way in sustainability, with DPS schools being recognized as recipients of the 2025 Best of Green Schools Award. This prestigious honor highlights theefforts of our schools and campuses to advance environmental responsibility and the green school movement, making our district not only a hub for academic excellence but also a leader in sustainability.
We recognize the impact of initiatives that combine education with real-world experience. The Cougar Cafe, a student-run program at Carson Elementary, which involves students withspecial education needs, offers a practical learning experience that equips students with the tools they need for success beyond the classroom.
As we near the end of the year, it’s important to acknowledge that these successes are the result of the hard work and dedication of our educators, students, families, and community. Though I’ve proudly named just a few of our achievements throughout this school year, there are many more happening in every corner of the district—every single one of them equally important. Every achievement is a collective effort that together, helps shape the future of Denver’s young people in profound ways.
As we sprint toward the finish line, I am filled with pride and optimism for what lies ahead. The remarkable things happening throughout the district demonstrate the power of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to our students. I look forward to what we willcontinue to accomplish together in the coming months—and beyond—as we work to ensure that every student in DPS has the opportunities and support they need to succeed.
Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent, Denver Public Schools.
