Parents at three low-performing Denver schools got word Monday that turnaround strategies being pushed by the White House are being contemplated for their schools.
No school buildings will be shut down this year, said Denver Public Schools Superintendent Tom Boasberg on Monday night at a board meeting.
But some schools could radically change under turnaround strategies introduced by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan — including restarting schools with new staffs or phasing out the school program while another school program is added to the building.
Parents at Lake Middle School and Philips and Greenlee elementaries received letters from district administrators last week saying their schools are among the lowest performers and that changes are needed.
Specific turnaround plans are still being worked out with recommendations coming from the district Nov. 2. The board would vote on the recommendations in late November.
“Parents are very afraid that Lake is going to be closed,” said Arturo Jimenez, a board member who represents northwest Denver, where Lake is located. “That is a valid concern, but I don’t believe that is going to happen. The community is going to make sure a better alternative is in place.”
Lake is the district’s lowest- performing middle school and has 449 empty seats. Greenlee and Philips are the bottom two schools on the district’s School Performance Framework, which ranks schools on their academic growth.
Three low-performing charter schools also are up for renewal — Northeast Academy Charter School, Skyland Community High School and PS1 Charter School.
The White House has called for the closure of low-performing charters.
Community meetings will be held throughout DPS to discuss the district’s next moves.
Jeremy P. Meyer: 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com
