Dear DSST Friends & Families,
I am reaching out today with some fantastic news. Just before noon today, the Colorado State Board of Education voted 6-1 in favor of DSST High School @ Noel opening in the 21-22 school year, overturning a previous DPS Board decision. This was a resounding bipartisan vote for DSST and for what is best for students and families in Denver. I am grateful for the State Board’s clear leadership on this issue and leading with a student first approach. This is important for our DSST community, but also for parents across Denver. It demonstrates that when a community of dedicated parents come together and express their demands for high quality education options, they can ultimately prevail.
What does this mean? Within the next 30 days, the DPS School Board must respond to the State Board decision with action steps for enabling the opening of a DSST High School @ Noel in the 21-22 year. We look forward to working in partnership with DPS on the next steps to ensure our 8th grade Bulldogs can begin next year in our new facility.
I am inspired and energized by this positive decision. This has been an enormous effort on the part of so many members of both our Noel and Far Northeast communities, as well as the larger DSST community. It has included impressive board meeting turnouts in January and February, impassioned public comments made both in person and virtually, signing petitions, and elevating all voices.
I am proud to be part of such a dedicated and resilient community that fights for students, no matter what adult politics may stand in the way. There are still obstacles to overcome, but today’s decision is an important step towards opening DSST High School @ Noel. Additionally, I want to take this opportunity to shout out the DSST: Cole community for their continued hard work and dedication. Today’s decision is a recognition of the ongoing commitment of our DSST: Cole team to serving their students and families.
We will continue to keep you informed on next steps for DSST High School @ Noel, including details on our new facility. For now, we’re excited to celebrate the hard work of this incredible community!
Bill Kurtz
CEO of DSST Public Schools