Superintendent Alex Marrero has applied for a job leading in Florida, he confirmed via a statement Thursday.
“This is not a decision I made lightly and is not one intended to diminish or disregard the great success we’ve shared in DPS during my tenure,” Marrero said. “…This decision comes after thoughtful reflection on several personal and professional considerations.”
Marrero is one of 21 people who applied for the job, according to the which first reported that the Denver superintendent was seeking the position. The contract of Miami’s current superintendent, Jose Dotres, ends in February, according to the newspaper.
The DPS Board of Education hired Marrero in 2021. At the time, a expressed concern about Marrero’s appointment to lead Colorado’s largest K-12 district, including whether he understood the American West and Chicano culture.
But past and present board members have defended Marrero, who is Afro-Latino and bilingual — traits they said were positives in a district where more than half of the students are Latino.
The board also stood behind Marrero as he has taken on the Trump administration, including by suing to prevent federal immigration raids in schools.
But Marrero has found himself in disputes with board members as well as during his time in Denver on issues related to school closures and armed police in schools.
In November, Marrero was considered a finalist to become next CEO. After news reports circulated that Marrero was up for the job, the superintendent did not deny the claim but expressed that he remained dedicated to DPS.
Marrero expressed similar sentiments in his statement Thursday regarding his candidacy for the Miami job.
“Regardless of the outcome of the Miami-Dade superintendent selection, my commitment to leading Denver Public Schools, our students, staff, families and the important work ahead remains unchanged,” he said. “My focus continues to be on successfully closing out this school year, preparing for the year ahead, and ensuring stability and continuity in service of our shared priorities to continue to advance the district.”
