Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero privately warned the school board this month that he believes its actions are undermining the district’s governance structure, writing that he can no longer ignore what he described as serious concerns about board behavior.
The four page email, sent June 8 and obtained by Chalkbeat through a public records request, was addressed to board President Xóchitl Gaytán. It was sent one day before Marrero disclosed publicly that he has applied for another superintendent position, raising new questions about his future with Colorado’s largest school district.
Message
“Respectfully, I can no longer ignore these concerns,” Marrero wrote, adding that the board’s “current trajectory” is becoming “increasingly untenable.”
Marrero declined an interview but outlined several specific issues in his email, which provide insight into ongoing tensions between district leadership and the elected board.
Marrero has led Denver Public Schools for five years and is currently a finalist for the superintendent position in Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida.
Governance
A central issue raised in the email is what Marrero described as board overreach into administrative matters. Under the district’s policy governance framework, the board sets goals and policies, while the superintendent is responsible for implementation.
Marrero cited examples he said blur that boundary, including a proposed board policy that would require schools to use a specific approach to teaching reading. His contract explicitly states that the board “will avoid telling the Superintendent or staff what to do or how to do it.”
Policy governance was adopted in 2021, the same year Marrero was hired, after criticism that previous boards had micromanaged district leadership.
Contract
Marrero also wrote that the board violated his contract in February when it initially voted to enter a closed executive session without him present. His contract requires his inclusion in such meetings. The board later reversed the decision and included him.
In another section, Marrero described being caught in internal conflicts among board members, including canceled meetings and strained communication that he said put him and his staff in a difficult position.
Accountability
The superintendent criticized the board for not holding itself to the same accountability standards it applies to him. Marrero noted that he has undergone four formal evaluations, while the board has not conducted a self assessment.
He also raised concerns about some board members pushing to hire separate legal counsel, which he characterized as an attempt to create a parallel legal advisory system.
Board Response
Reactions among board members were mixed. Some said they agreed with Marrero’s concerns, while others disputed his characterization.
Gaytán said in a statement that she hopes the board recommits to its governance model.
“Superintendents of the highest caliber choose districts where governance is predictable and professional,” she said.
Board member Marlene De La Rosa said the board has room for improvement and would benefit from self evaluation. Board member John Youngquist rejected claims of dysfunction, calling them false. Vice President Monica Hunter said the board remains united despite internal challenges.
Two board members declined to comment.
Broader Context
The email comes amid disagreements over policy decisions, including the board’s April vote to expand the district’s innovation zone against Marrero’s recommendation. Marrero argued the expansion could increase segregation because the zone serves a whiter and wealthier student population.
Marrero questioned whether the board’s action undermines his ability to exercise professional judgment, a concern he highlighted in his email.
Contract Terms
Marrero’s contract allows him to treat a material change in governance policy as a termination, provided he first notifies the board president and attempts to resolve the issue. If terminated without cause, he would be entitled to 12 months of salary. His pay last school year was $346,529.
In a statement, Marrero said the board has not responded substantively to the concerns he raised and has not informed him of any changes to its governance policy.
“I have honored my commitments and will continue to do so,” he said.
FAQs
Who sent the email to the DPS board?
Superintendent Alex Marrero.
When was the email sent?
June 8.
What are Marrero’s main concerns?
Board overreach, governance, and accountability.
Is Marrero leaving Denver schools?
He has applied for another superintendent job.
What governance model does DPS use?
A policy governance framework adopted in 2021.
