Melanie Asmar, Chalkbeat Colorado

Denver Public Schools has long been supportive of immigrant students, even suing the Trump administration to try to reinstate a federal policy that previously treated schools as generally off limits to immigration enforcement.

School closures are contentious, and parents often want to know how a district will repurpose a building that many consider the heart of the community. But the answer is rarely clear right away. The decision process can take years, leaving buildings vacant and families wondering.

Nationwide, satisfaction with the K-12 education system is at a record low, according to an August Gallup poll. Much of the decline is being driven by Democrats and independents whose satisfaction has plummeted since President Donald Trump took office in January.

The Denver Public Schools Foundation is using a fund to buy grocery gift cards for families affected by the delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, payments and to help stock school food pantries, which have reportedly seen an uptick in visitors.

A coalition of liberal groups are proposing a new tax measure to add additional funding for K through 12 schools and higher education. The measure would be in the November 2026 ballot. Melanie Asmar, Bureau Chief for Chalkbeat Colorado, discussed this with KUNC's Desmond O'Boyle.

In Colorado, state lawmakers in spring 2024 commissioned a task force to investigate aggression against teachers. Late last month, the task force released a set of recommendations, including that each school should have a classroom incident response team.

Without the funding, some districts might be forced to cut programs that support their most vulnerable students.

Polis said he and other state leaders are urging the Trump administration to release the funds and are considering all options.

The controversial move has generated mixed reactions from school staff and parents - some who feel Marrero has not done enough to address the district’s needs.

Many are worried about measles spreading around Colorado. Doctors say being vaccinated can reduce the risks.