Important Update for Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design Families

Posted November 8, 2024

Dear Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design Community, 

I am writing to share important news about potential upcoming changes at our school. As part of the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative, and using direction from Executive Limitation 18 (EL-18), our school has been recommended by the superintendent as a school that could close. While our school is identified as potentially impacted, there has been no final decision made at this time for our school. The Board of Education is ultimately responsible for approving these recommendations on Thursday, Nov. 21.

A Denver School Thrives Toolkit for Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design is available here and includes a timeline, communications templates, mental health support information (both districtwide and school-specific), resources for talking about change, a DPS contacts list and frequently asked questions.

SchoolChoice
As part of this transition, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the SchoolChoice process to select the school that you feel best fits your student’s unique needs and aspirations. SchoolChoice Round 1 application window opens on Jan. 15, 2025 at 10 a.m. and will remain open through Feb. 18, 2025 at 4pm Learn more about SchoolChoice here. 

Ongoing Support During Transitions
I understand that transitions can be challenging, and I want you to know that we are here to support you every step of the way. The Denver School Thrives Toolkit for Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design has important information on resources and contact information to support during this difficult time. 

Opportunities to Engage and Provide Feedback

Between now and the Nov. 21 board meeting, the Board and Superintendent Dr. Marrero will be holding engagement meetings with each of the schools that were included on the recommendation list.

There will be several opportunities to engage with the Board of Education and the Superintendent before the final board vote. The dates for these engagement opportunities are listed below. 

  • Nov. 18-21, 2024: Superintendent Engagement
  • SPECIAL PUBLIC COMMENT AT DSISD-November 11th: (Special Public Comment: 4:50-6 p.m.) A special public comment meeting will be held at Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design. Only members of our school community will be invited to attend and speak to the Board on this date. The invitation will be sent to our school community from Board President Dr. Carrie Olson and will include a link to the sign-up form.
  • Nov. 18, 2024:  A Public Comment Board Meeting will be held for the general public. Please note: Only individuals who have not previously signed up and spoken to the Board at a special public comment meeting at a school will be allowed to sign up to speak at this meeting.

Please visit the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative webpage for more information. Please contact me at evelyn_cruz@dpsk12.net with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Evelyn Cruz
Principal, Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design