At the groundbreaking for the new Vista Academy. During my first term as your school board representative, I have worked hard to fulfill my promise to support all schools in District 5.
- I successfully lobbied for the 2008 bond initiative of $454 million, the largest in Colorado state history.
- I secured $34 million for renovation of North High School grounds, including new fields, just in time for this year’s 100th anniversary.
Thank you, Denver!
- I fought for resources District 5′s International Baccalaureate schools (Brown and Lake), which are now in high demand.
- I was instrumental in the creation of DPS’ Office of Community Engagement and was directly responsible for the recruitment of Patsy Roybal to head this extremely successful department that supports parents and community district-wide.
- I fostered the launch of the 9th grade academy at Smedley, which is now the district model for a vibrant, successful student-centered program with a very high degree of parent involvement.
- With my shepherding of the Northwest Community Committee and Friends of West High School groups, a full and unencumbered community process is now the norm in the Denver Public Schools.
- I ensured that we honor our commitment to our staff and retirees by supporting and pushing for the DPS pension merger with the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association, providing benefit portability and oversight.
- I fulfilled the need for culturally-competent curriculum for Latino (and all) students by pushing for the El Alma de la Raza curriculum.
El Alma de la Raza curriculum at DPS
- I implemented the plan to accurately count our students in the census by coordinating municipal and federal initiatives with the Denver Public Schools to ensure adequate resources find their way to our schools.
I am proud to serve District 5 schools in Northwest, West, Central and Downtown Denver.
At the North High Track and Tennis Court ribbon cutting ceremony, August 2010