The Denver Public Schools’ Board of Education is composed of five representative districts and two at-large members. According to Colorado state law, DPS is required to balance the population of the districts after each United States decennial census so that the total population in each district is close to equal, within 10 percent.
Currently, the five are not balanced. The difference between District 4 in the Far Northeast and District 2 in the Southwest is greater than the state-mandated 10%. In the spring of 2023, the Board of Education will be presented with a single option to change these boundaries to ensure that the district is in compliance with the law.
The last time that the Board districts were adjusted was 2014.
Timeline
From mid January to mid February, DPS will be hosting community engagement meetings to explain the process and receive feedback from the community. Beginning on Feb. 20, district staff will compile the feedback and create one recommended map to present to the Board at their scheduled Board Retreat on March 9, 2023.
The public will be able to share their feedback with the Board at the public comment session on March 20, and the Board is scheduled to vote on the plan on March 23.
In April 2023, the new boundaries will be in place so that the Denver Election Division can qualify candidates to run for office this fall.
How Can I Participate?
The public will be able to share their feedback during community meetings in January and February. Additionally, you are invited to watch this brief slideshow and fill out this form with your feedback. Finally, the Board of Education will host a public comment session on March 20, 2023.