Ensuring The Safety of Our Students and Staff Is Our Top Priority

Dr. Alex Marrero

Posted Jan. 23, 2025

As the leader of Colorado’s largest school district, I am deeply committed to ensuring that Denver Public Schools continue to rise to the challenge of supporting all students and families. Denver Public Schools remains fully committed to providing safe learning environments for students and staff regardless of immigration status, national origin, race or religion in compliance with the law.

From July 2023 to January 2025, Denver Public Schools welcomed a combined total of 6,623 new to country students, 4,670 of which are still enrolled today. While the influx has stabilized, we recognize the ongoing challenges it presents. Despite these challenges, our priorities remain steadfast.

New to country students have become an integral part of the fabric of Denver Public Schools.

As the child of a Cuban refugee and a Dominican immigrant, I personally understand the vital role public schools play in helping newcomers thrive. I benefited from the resources and support public schools offered, and now, in my work leading Denver Public Schools, I am proud to be part of a District that shares this same commitment. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our top priority and our most important responsibility as a District.

Since the influx of new to country families, I have visited more than 100 schools. Met with students, families, and educators dedicated to supporting our newest community members. I have witnessed the transformative power of kindness, empathy, and support, and have seen firsthand how small acts of care and compassion can change a student’s life. Our teachers and staff have responded to the needs of our new to country students with resource drives, informational sessions about the U.S. education system, language support, and more. These efforts have not only helped our students and their families, but have strengthened our District and enriched our community.

New to country students have become an integral part of the fabric of Denver Public Schools. Our work to meet the needs of all students—academically and socially—didn’t begin in July 2023 and it won’t end in 2025. Our commitment is ongoing.

The District is focused on providing the necessary resources to ensure the success of all students, including support for testing requirements, transportation, Spanish-language academic and mental health services, and more. We remain committed to offering reliable transportation, nutritious meals, mental health support, and access to technology.

Our six community hubs have been vital in supporting newcomer families. Launched in 2022, these hubs served over 3,200 families in the 2023-24 school year alone. From food assistance to medical services to workforce training, the hubs offer a wide range of resources in both English and Spanish, including ESL and GED programs. In the

2023-24 school year, over 600 families participated in ESL classes, and 63 individuals graduated through the GED program. The hubs have also provided essential support to 872 asylum seekers, migrants, and refugee families, including five families who became

U.S. citizens. This school year, the work continues to grow.

These efforts highlight the power of unity and shared responsibility in addressing the needs of our newest community members. Supporting our new to country families is not just a responsibility—it is our moral obligation as educators and as a District that values equity, inclusivity, and opportunity for all.

To all of Denver’s new to country families, and all students and families, I want to assure you that, regardless of the circumstances that brought you to our doors, every child will have access to the highest-quality education. While we have faced challenges—whether in staffing, services, or budget—we remain resolute in our commitment. We have worked hard to overcome these obstacles and continue to uphold our mission of educational equity for every learner.

As long as I am Superintendent, Denver Public Schools will remain steadfast in our advocacy for all students. We will continue to uplift every child and honor the legacy of those who have paved the way for justice and equity. Our schools will continue to serve as engines of opportunity and advancement for all. I would also like to express my deepest thank you to the Denver Public Schools Board of Education for their continued support of all of our students.

Dr. Alex Marrero has served as the Superintendent of Denver Public Schools since Spring 2021.