DPS wants charter schools as neighborhood schools
DENVER - Parents in northwest Denver showed concern Monday night over a proposal to make a charter school the essential home school. District officials say this is becoming the norm.
When Kristin Barnes moved into the Sunnyside neighborhood in northwest Denver, she had a plan to send her kids to a traditional neighborhood school.
"I love that feeling. I love that small town feel in an urban setting," Barnes said.
Barnes has three young boys ages 2, 4, and 6. So, when Denver Public Schools offered a public meeting Monday night to discuss the possible future of the schools in her neighborhood, she made last minute plans to go.
"I'm little bit frustrated. I think that something like this was kind of under the radar," Barnes said.
District officials discussed a proposal to make a charter school, Strive Preparatory School, the essential home school for families in the immediate area.
"We're not sure it's the right thing for our students," Barnes said.
Barnes wants Skinner Middle School or another district-run school to be the home school for her children. Strive Prep has shown success working with students from lower-income families and those who are still learning English. But, Barnes says her kids need a different program.
"I think what Strive School does for some kids is really fantastic, and I think that they do really great things," Barnes said. "But, I think it should not be a required choice to those of us who live in the neighborhood."
Strive Prep schools have longer school days, a longer school year, and an emphasis on college preparatory.
"Two extra hours of homework, less extra-curricular activities, less arts and music," Barnes said. "I think that is something that is lacking there, and I think that's something public schools need."
Chris Gibbons is the CEO and founder of the Strive Prep charter school network. He says his programs are designed to well-rounded.
"Every school has to prioritize the areas that they are ultimately focused on, and we do have a high priority on college preparation specifically," Gibbons said. "We also offer a competitive sports program. We also offer a robust arts program."
Gibbons says this proposal is nothing new. Strive Prep and other charter schools from Stapleton through southwest Denver already serve as essential neighborhood schools for DPS students. He says that's a good thing that parents should embrace.
"It insures that all families have access to a great school in their own neighborhood," Gibbons said. "It insures that all charter schools and district-run schools operate on an even playing field."
DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg says the district no longer delineates between charter schools and district-run schools. He says DPS has created an equity of opportunity, equity of access, and equity of accountability between all publicly-funded schools within Denver.
"For the overwhelming majority of parents, what they care about is that their child goes to a good school; a school where their child is challenged, is supported, is nurtured," Boasberg said. "I think most parents really couldn't care less about the governance model of their school."
Boasberg points out the district has turned to enrollment zones around Denver. That opens up more than just the closest school to someone's house as an option for schooling. So, while students in northwest Denver may have a preferred spot at Strive Prep under this proposal, parents can apply to send their kids to other schools within their enrollment zone. No one is required to attend their home school.
"By drawing those zones, somewhat larger, we're able to draw on a much more diverse and integrated group of students in our schools," Boasberg said.
He says the old model of neighborhood schools perpetuated an issue of having some separated into areas of socio-economic class. That's why he says he wants charter schools to be treated as equals amongst district-run schools.
"A key cornerstone of public education is that our schools are truly public," Boasberg said. "Whether they're district-run schools or charter schools, we're very clear on the importance of our public schools serving all kids and serving all kids well."
The proposal in northwest Denver is still in the early stages. The Denver School Board would have to approve any plans at a future meeting before anything is enacted.
Barnes still believes the district should look at expanding options of district-run schools versus having to consider a charter school.
"I don't think it would be the same. It's not what my husband and I intended for our children," Barnes said. "I certainly hope that our voices are heard and that they're being heard and they were heard last night."DPS wants charter schools as neighborhood schools:
