Denver4Students
Supporting Our Schools by Taking Action this Election
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Denver4Students is a voter education campaign designed to help Denver community members prepare for the November 4th Board of Education Election.
The campaign is supported by EDUCATE Denver, a coalition of civic leaders who support DPS students.
WHY DOES THE ELECTION MATTER?
This November, 4 out of 7 Board of Education seats in Denver will be on the ballot.
The individuals elected will decide how $1.5 billion of taxpayer funds are allocated in Denver Public Schools.
Board members are elected to:
The 2025 Board of Education election is Denver's best opportunity to ensure that district leaders prioritize:
- ✓All students are prepared for a successful path after high school.
- ✓Safe, welcoming schools for both teaching and learning.
- ✓A city supported by a strong school district.
THE CAMPAIGN
EDUCATE Denver is encouraging community members to vote! Look for these ads around town:
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HOW DO GOOD SCHOOLS HELP DENVER?
Whether or not you have students in DPS schools, their outcomes impact Denver. High-quality public education supports high quality of life in our communities through:
Increased employment and earnings
A stronger economy
Housing stability
Decreased crime
Informed electorate
Good citizenship
HOW IS DPS DOING?
Some successes
Rising CMAS Scores
DPS has posted rising CMAS scores in ELA and math from 2022 to 2025.
Student Growth Exceeds State Peers
In 2025, DPS students made more progress in ELA and math than students statewide.
Positive College Readiness Trend
DPS improved proficiency rates on SAT literacy and math with growth comparable to the state.
Stronger Graduation Rates
Graduation rates are improving and catching up with the state.
Some challenges
Persistent Achievement Gaps
White and affluent DPS students grow faster than other student subgroups.
Pre-pandemic Performance
White DPS students achieved pre-pandemic levels of performance; students of color did not.
Post-Secondary Literacy Readiness Lags State
Black, Latino and low-income students trail peers statewide on the SAT.
High Chronic Absenteeism
DPS' Chronic Absenteeism rate rose in 2025 and remains higher than the state overall.
As you consider Board of Education candidates, ask questions about their plans to support student learning, school safety, and a positive culture for all.
GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES
This November, 4 out of 7 Board of Education seats will be up for grabs.
The following candidates will be up for election:
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KNOW WHERE THEY STAND
✅ Key Candidate Coverage
We've highlighted candidate-related news coverage below:
- ➔Denver school board elections: What to know about the candidates running for at-large and Districts 2, 3 and 4Denverite • October 15, 2025
- ➔Denver school board candidates clash in lively debate as vote nearsBoardhawk • October 8, 2025
- ➔DPS board candidates spar over trust and transparency at forumDenver Gazette • October 7, 2025
- ➔Denver school board majority at stake in November's electionDenver Post • October 7, 2025
- ➔Candidates for Denver School Board debate biggest issues facing DPSCBS News Colorado • October 7, 2025
- ➔Forget unions and charters, this November, save Denver's school choice lottery (Editorial)Denver Post Editorial Board • September 28, 2025
- ➔DPS school board candidates agree on most goals, but not how to achieve themBoardHawk • September 18, 2025
- ➔Four seats, 13 candidates: DPS board election could reshape Colorado's largest school districtDenver Gazette • September 15, 2025
✅ Additional Resources
Explore these external resources for more information about the candidates and Denver Public Schools performance.
- ➔BoardhawkPodcasts and articles covering Denver Public Schools governance
- ➔Chalkbeat ColoradoIndependent, local education news outlet covering DPS
- ➔Denver Post Education SectionLocal news coverage of education issues
- ➔Denver Gazette Education SectionLocal education news and analysis
- ➔DPS Board Meeting VideosArchives of past Board of Education meetings
BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM
EDUCATE Denver, Regis University, CBS Colorado, and Chalkbeat Colorado presented an in-person candidate forum on October 7th. Candidates engaged in lively and informative debates regarding their positions on and vision for Denver Public Schools. Watch a recording of these debates at the links below.
PLEDGE TO VOTE!
Did you know that in 2023, only 26.7% of eligible Denver community members vote in a Board of Education election? EDUCATE Denver believes that high-quality public education and positive student outcomes correlate directly with a stronger city. It is important for all eligible voters to participate. Pledge to vote below:
ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?
You can make a difference for Denver's students – and it's as simple as casting an informed vote this November. If you're not yet registered to vote – or not sure of your voter registration status – start by visiting the City and County of Denver's voter registration page for information on the easy steps you can take to get ready for the election.