The Denver Public Schools Podcast

The Denver Public Schools Podcast

Welcome to the DPS Podcast—the official hub for all things Denver Public Schools! Tune in to hear inspiring student success stories, discover family-friendly tips and resources, and stay up-to-date on the latest district news. We’re here to make sure every DPS family has easy access to the information they need. Don't miss out—hit subscribe now and join the conversation!

Episodes

January 22, 2026 20 mins

In this episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, Javier Ibarra sits down with Albert Samora, Executive Director of Transportation for Denver Public Schools, to discuss the innovative ways DPS is improving student safety. The conversation explores new safety technology, including the My Ride K12 app and AI-powered camera systems, and how these tools are giving families greater transparency and peace of mind. Sponsored by VS America, this e...

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En este episodio del podcast EDUCA DPS, Beto Gaytan conversa con Miguel Contreras, supervisor the routas del departamento de transporte de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver, para hablar sobre las formas innovadoras en que DPS está mejorando la seguridad de los estudiantes. La conversación explora las nuevas tecnologías de seguridad, incluyendo la aplicación My Ride K12 y los sistemas de cámaras con inteligencia artificial, y cómo est...

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January 21, 2026 34 mins

DPS 101 is the podcast version of the DPS 101 Community Leadership Course, educating the community on the inner workings of DPS departments, structures and systems. 

Each episode will feature a DPS leader reflecting on their own leadership journey and explaining their department functions.

In Episode 1, DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero provides an overview of the DPS 101 Leadership Course, shares his personal s...

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The 2024-2025 4-year graduation rate for Denver Public Schools rose 2 percentage points year over year to 81.9%. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith talks to Communications Manager Nicole Brady about the intentional efforts by educators and DPS leadership to raise graduation rates every year for the past 4 year.

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DPS Communications Manager Nicole Brady sits down with Theresa Connolly, Financial Literacy Curriculum Specialist for Denver Public Schools. Financial literacy is now a graduation requirement in Colorado, and DPS was instrumental in laying the groundwork. 

In this discussion, learn why a team of DPS alumni pushed for financial literacy and how DPS students are now learning everything from budgeting, to taxes, to investment...

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1.Abraham Lincoln High School’s 

It was all yellow at Lincoln this past week. Literally. DPS Superintendent, and Board President Gaytan dressed in yellow and surprised Lancer students to celebrate their two-level jump on the DPS School Performance Framework, moving from Red all the way to Yellow in a single year! This milestone is a testament to the hard work of the students, staff, and families at Lincoln. Congratulations, Lancers!...

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Most people know Aaron Thompson as General Counsel for Denver Public Schools.
What they don’t know? He’s also a rapper, painter, and creative at heart.

In this episode of DPS Stories, Aaron opens up about his journey—from working on DPS buses to becoming the district’s top lawyer—and how art, music, and service have shaped the way he leads. He reflects on growing up in Aurora, finding his voice through creativity, and ...

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School Choice can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode of EDUCA DPS, members of the Denver Public Schools Enrollment Services team break down the School Choice process and what families should know as they prepare for the 2026–27 school year. You’ll learn why the application window is opening earlier, how enrollment zones work, and what to consider when exploring school options for your student.

Whether you’re...

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El proceso de EscojoMiEscuela puede parecer complicado, pero no tiene por qué serlo.

En este episodio de EDUCA DPS, el equipo de Servicios de Inscripción de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver explica cómo funciona EscojoMiEscuela y qué deben tener en cuenta las familias al prepararse para el año escolar 2026–27. Aprenderá por qué la ventana de solicitud abre más temprano, cómo funcionan las zonas de inscripción y qué considerar al expl...

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1. Let's Talk About DPS Finances - A New DPS Q&A with Our CFO 

School finances can feel confusing, and many members of the DPS community have asked great questions about how DPS manages its budget, long-term debt and voter-approved bond dollars. In this week’s DPS Q&A, Communications Manager Nicole Brady sits down with our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chuck Carpenter, for an open conversation about where DPS funds com...

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In this DPS Q&A, Denver Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Chuck Carpenter sits down with DPS Communications Manager Nicole Brady to answer community questions about school finances.

The conversation breaks down how DPS budgets work, what a “clean audit” means, and why the district carries long-term debt. Chuck explains how voter-approved bonds are used to fund school construction and improvements, how financial ov...

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1 SchoolChoice 

DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 for the 2026-27 school year is now open until 4 p.m. on Jan. 20! This annual open enrollment process is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school next year.

To apply: Visit schoolchoice.dpsk12.org/apply.

If you are applying for ECE, please head to the SchoolChoice website for more details regarding Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) application. 

2. RASA Celebrates Ribbon Cutting...

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In this episode of the Marrero Moment, Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero sits down with DPS Chief Financial Officer Chuck Carpenter for a candid, accessible, and engaging conversation about the district’s financial health.

From what it means to hold a AAA credit rating, to how school budgets are built, to the external factors impacting our financial outlook — this episode breaks down complex topics in a way that families and...

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Dr. Tony Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Denver Public Schools sits down with Communications Manager Nicole Brady to discuss leadership and academics in DPS.

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1 Food Assistance Over Fall Break  

Tasty Food will be operating during DPS’ Thanksgiving break (Nov. 24-29) to help ensure that no child or youth goes hungry during their week off.

All Tasty Food sites will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 in observance of Thanksgiving and Friday, Nov. 28 for the City and County of Denver furloughs. Saturday lunches will still be available for youth on Saturday, Nov. 29.

All youth ages three to 18 are ...

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November 10, 2025 21 mins

DPS Communications and Community Engagement Manager Nicole Brady talks to DPS Director of Humanities Jennifer Begley about changes to improve literacy instruction.

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1.The DPS Board of Education election results remain unofficial until certification on Friday, Nov. 21. For updates, visit the Denver Elections Division website.
Current leaders:

  • Amy Klein Molk – Director At-Large
  • DJ Torres – District 3 (Central Denver)
  • Monica Hunter – District 4 (Northeast Denver)
  • Xóchitl Gaytán – District 2 (Southwest Denver)

New directors will be sworn in at a special BOE meeting on Dec. 2.

2. Prioritizin...

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October 31, 2025 3 mins

1. AI Resources for the DPS Community

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools offer endless opportunities for personalized learning experiences, a streamlining tasks and offering insights for areas of growth for students and staff. As DPS continues to integrate AI into spaces where we learn and work, we encourage families to review a the list of AI resources (Google Slides), linked in our shownotes, to learn more about AI and recommendat...

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In this week’s episode of EDUCA, DPS Nursing Services experts Marie Quinn and Nancy Cordova share how our district is taking proactive steps to protect our students and staff. They explain what Narcan is, how it works, and why DPS is making sure our schools are ready to respond in an emergency.

Opioid overdoses can happen anywhere, and the presence of fentanyl in our communities means it’s important for us all to stay info...

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En el episodio de esta semana de EDUCA, Marie Quinn y Nancy Cordova, expertas en Servicios de Enfermería de DPS, comparten cómo nuestro distrito está tomando medidas proactivas para proteger a nuestros estudiantes y personal. Explican qué es Narcan, cómo funciona y por qué DPS se asegura de que nuestras escuelas estén preparadas para responder en caso de emergencia.

Las sobredosis de opioides pueden ocurrir en cualquier lu...

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