By Hilary Olivares
Members of Denver Public Schools (DPS) and the La Raza Research Team gathered on June 5, at St. Cajetan’s Church, a significant location for the community, to discuss ways to improve outcomes for Latine students, families, and educators. The event, attended by over 100 people, addressed the barriers and opportunities faced by Latine communities within DPS.
Dr. Patricia Hurrieta, the Director of Latine Student Success (LSS)
at Denver Public Schools, welcomed the audience and discussed the district’s La Raza Report, a research project commissioned by the Latino Education Coalition (LEC) and conducted by the Multicultural Leadership Center (MLC). This research examined the experiences of the Latino community in Denver over several decades, highlighting challenges related to employment, property ownership, and access to education.
The educators possess vast knowledge and decades of experience in the education sector.
Hurrieta shared her personal journey: “I am finishing my 32nd year as a licensed professional. Prior to that, I was a paraprofessional, which was a part-time custodian. I graduated from Abraham Lincoln, so welcome and thank you so much. I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself as we launch this work.”
Hurrieta introduced DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero, who reiterated the district’s commitment to implementing the report’s recommendations.
“I want to introduce Superintendent Dr. Marrero, who has really championed this work,” said Hurrieta. “This work would not have been possible without his support, as well as that of director Gaytán [Xochitli Gaytán, DPS school board member, District 2], who was part of the group that commissioned this report we are responding to. I am very excited to have you all here today.”
The report identifies systemic barriers stemming from cultural disconnects in curriculum and outlines ways to engage Latine students and families more effectively.
Dr. Marrero reflected on his own experiences, stating, “I know my struggles as a Latino. Life was difficult, but that’s how we learned. I am beyond excited as I see elements happening on our DPS board that are ready. Let’s allow this progress to continue.”
La Raza Report research team members attending the presentation included, Darlene LeDoux, DPS Ambassador to the La Raza Report, and is a life-long educator in Colorado; Steve Del Castillo, Ph.D., Principal Investigator and Project Director; Ramón Del Castillo, Ph.D., retired Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Chicana/o Studies, Chicana/o Studies; Sherri M. Pauli Del Castillo, M.A., Librarian and Historical Review Analyst; Santino Del Castillo, M.A., Historical Review Analyst and Project Manager; Alex Hegg, Data Scientist; Kathy Escamilla, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at the BUENO Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Colorado Boulder; Manuel Escamilla, PhD, retired professor for the Congress of Hispanic Educators (CHE) at the University of Colorado Boulder; and Luis A. Torres, Ph.D., retired, served as Deputy Provost for Metropolitan State University of Denver for Academic and Student Affairs and professor of Chicana/o Studies.
Before delving into specific details of the report, Steve Del Castillo posed a critical question about the historical context of the challenges faced, “With the historical analysis review, the question we want to answer is: Why are we here? Why are we facing what we’re facing?”
Kathy Escamilla spoke on honoring the past through “The Language & Cultural Wars” from 1995-2025, stating, “So much has been accomplished, and I feel like I am part of the solution. The people we work with in Denver Public Schools are part of the solution, and I am glad we have moved forward.”
Ramón Del Castillo emphasized the importance of community-based education activism, highlighting the need for parental involvement. “Parents, Mexican and Latino parents will participate if you give them the dignity, honor, and respect they deserve. They will work with you, their children, and they will do whatever you ask—all they are asking for is respect,” he explained.
As the event concluded, Steve Del Castillo made a poignant remark: “Can you say the word ‘endogenous’? That means the answer is ‘here’.”
Moving forward, DPS has established the Latine Student Success team, led by Dr. Patricia Hurrieta, to prioritize and implement the recommendations from the La Raza Report. Additionally, a newly formed advisory council comprised primarily of Latino/a leaders will guide this transformative work. The unveiling of the updated La Raza Report at St. Cajetan’s Church marks an important step toward achieving equality within the educational system, serving as both a reflection on past challenges and a call to action for future advancements.
Read the La Raza Report and visit DPSk12.org for more information.
Hilary Olivares is an Independent Reporter for The Weekly Issue/El Semanario.
