DPS School Board Districts

Alex Magaña

I'm running to put Denver's students and families first. That starts with creating safe and welcoming schools for every student in Denver. And creating schools and programs that prepare students for future success once outside of DPS. Finally, I'm running to bring family and community voice back to the DPS board decision making.

AlexMagana4DPS.com

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Amy Klein Molk

I'm running because our schools are the heart of Denver, and I believe in their power to bring communities together. As an educational technology entrepreneur, special education paraprofessional, and lifelong advocate for public schools, I bring a unique perspective on both innovation and classroom realities. Every child deserves a strong neighborhood school with caring educators, safe classrooms, and opportunities to discover their strengths. By working alongside families, teachers, and community partners, I will help ensure every student can thrive and every school can fulfill its promise.

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Deborah "Ms.Deb" Sims Fard (Dropped Out)

Mariana del Hierro

I'm running for the Denver School Board because every child deserves to be truly seen, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. As a DPS mom, my son was in a class of 35 and his progress report didn’t reflect his abilities; it reflected a struggling system. I want to fix that. There’s a significant gap in SW Denver when it comes to DPS supporting our Latinx youth. While working with young people, I kept hearing the same thing: “I don’t know what comes next.” That experience inspired me to create a youth apprenticeship program. I bring a track record of building trusted programs, creating local jobs, and delivering real results for SW Denver. I'll bring that same community-based, results-driven leadership to our schools.

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Xochitl Gaytán

She is a committed advocate of her South West community where she lives and works. She is a DPS graduate, and mom to two DPS students. Believes Strong schools Build Strong Communities. Champion of Bi-lingual and multi-lingual education for students, and long time supporter of teacher's, para-professionals and support staff who encompass the DPS community.

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Caron Blanke

I am running for the DPS school board because I believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in a school system that is equitable, inclusive, and responsive to their needs. That kind of a school system requires leaders like me who will provide competent board oversight and hold leadership accountable. I am a courageous leader who will boldly advocate for change and push for stronger schools. As an early childhood and nonprofit leader, working with early childhood schools and their boards around the country, I have 25+ years of experience in board governance and supporting the alignment of organizational values and school practice.

I believe that authentic relationships, community voice, and trust are foundational to effective school and district leadership. As a school board member, I will advocate for thoughtful, innovative policies that put students first, support educators, and strengthen our public education system.

www.caron4change.com

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Donald "DJ" Torres

I am running for Denver Public Schools Board of Education, District 3, because I believe every child deserves a safe, supportive, and high-quality public education. As a former DPS special educator, central office equity leader, and current DPS parent, I have experienced our schools from the classroom, the system, and the family perspective. Those experiences have shown me both the brilliance of our students and the challenges our educators and families face every day.

If elected, I will be the first out LGBTQ board member and the first special educator to serve on the DPS Board. Representation matters, and I am committed to bringing forward the voices of students, families, and educators who too often go unheard. I have already been doing this work as a parent leader and community advocate, from helping shape school budgets and priorities to literally standing at the doors when our students were threatened, making sure families knew they were safe and supported.

I am proud to be endorsed by Denver’s teachers union and by organizations that represent working families, labor, and the LGBTQ community. With their support and the trust of District 3 voters, I will fight to restore public trust in our schools, protect public education from privatization, and ensure that decisions are made with transparency and community input.

My priorities are clear: keep students safe, support and retain well-qualified educators, and build schools where every child feels safe, seen, and supported. I am running to put the public back in public schools, and to make sure DPS serves every student with equity, integrity, and care.

www.djfordenver.com

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Scott Esserman

I'm running because all of our students deserve to feel seen and safe in schools that prepare them for college and career. I'm running to protect our students and community from attacks from our national government and Trump in particular our LBGTQ+ and immigrant communities. I'm running to continue the improving trajectory of academic achievement for our students. I'm running because our community needs a fighter who is not beholden to special interests.

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Michelle Quattlebaum

I am running for re-election because our students, families, and educators deserve leadership that delivers results and stays focused on equity.

During my first term, I fought to ensure that the people who support our schools every day are treated with dignity by raising the minimum hourly wage to $20. I championed the full implementation of the Dr. Sharon Bailey Report with clear benchmarks, paving the way for the Raza Report to follow. I advanced LGBTQ+ inclusion and belonging, expanded dyslexia screening, and led efforts to bring mental health supports to schools across the district. These changes have strengthened student experiences and are contributing to improved outcomes. But the work is not finished. Our students still face inequities that demand action, and our district must continue to provide the resources, opportunities, and safe environments every child needs to thrive. Re-election means sustaining this momentum, holding ourselves accountable to equity, and ensuring that the progress we’ve made is not rolled back.

I believe deeply that when we listen to our community, provide fair pay, and focus on both academic and social-emotional growth, we build schools where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. That is why I am running again, to finish what we’ve started and to continue building a stronger future for all of Denver’s kids.

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Jeremy Harris

I'm a DPS parent who has lost trust in the way this district is being led, and I know I'm not alone. Right now, Denver has the largest achievement gaps in the nation. Families have been promised equity for years, but our Black, Brown, and multilingual learners are still falling behind. Part of the reason is that the current board has not been transparent or accountable. Decisions are made behind closed doors, policies are vague, and parents are left in the dark until there’s a crisis. That is why trust is so broken, and why it has to be rebuilt with community.

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Monica Hunter

I am running because I am deeply invested in the success of Denver Public Schools. I have been a student, a teacher, and am now a current parent at several DPS schools. I can support educators and bring new policies for mental health safety and funding. It’s time we have someone who can work collaboratively for our kids!

Monica4Denver.org

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Timiya Jackson

I am running because every student deserves to leave DPS with real skills, real options, and confidence in their future. My own story began with a grandmother who raised me and a mentor who believed in me when the odds were stacked against me. That support allowed me to become a first-generation college graduate and build a career helping young people find their path. I am also a DPS mom who sees the impact on students, educators, and families when decisions are made by board leadership. I want to bring these first-hand experiences to serving on the board by listening to families, supporting teachers, and making decisions that put students first.

Visit Jackson4DPS.com

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