Denver Superintendent Alex Marrero Declines Chicago public Schools CEO Role
Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero has affirmed his commitment to the district,dismissing reports that he was a leading candidate for the CEO position at Chicago Public Schools. The proclamation came Friday following a report from the Chicago Sun-Times identifying Marrero as one of two finalists for the role leading the nation’s fourth-largest school district.
Marrero stated, “While I have great respect for Chicago Public Schools and appreciate the professional recognition implied by recent speculation about my potential candidacy for superintendent, I want to be clear that my dedication remains firmly with Denver Public Schools where I am proud to continue serving as superintendent.”
Denver Public Schools echoed this sentiment in an earlier statement, noting Marrero “has no plans to leave the district.” The district added that Marrero was currently attending the Global Cities Symposium in Asia and would be extending his trip for a brief vacation before returning to Denver.
The Chicago Public Schools search is notable as it marks the first time the newly-formed 21-member school board will select a new leader. Finalists, including Meisha Ross Porter, who previously led New York City Public Schools in 2021, are scheduled to interview with board members, a community panel, and the mayor next week.
Since assuming the superintendency of the 89,000-student Denver district in 2021, Marrero has overseen a rise in graduation rates and a jump in the district’s state rating to “green” – the second-highest level – for the first time since 2019. Though, his tenure has also faced challenges.Concerns regarding school safety and incidents of shootings near Denver’s largest high school have fueled discontent among some parents.Additionally, district employees have expressed concerns about morale following unpopular school closures and cuts to central office staff, as highlighted in Marrero’s latest performance evaluation.
Prior to Denver, Marrero served as the interim superintendent of New Rochelle, New York, and held assistant superintendent roles in both new Rochelle and East Ramapo, New York. His career began in New York City,where he worked as a guidance counselor,assistant principal,and principal,and where he also attended school as a child growing up in the Bronx.
Marrero, who identifies as Afro Latino and is bilingual, brings a unique perspective to his role, given that more than half of Denver’s student population is Latino and approximately one-third are English language learners.
His contract with Denver Public Schools extends through 2028, having been renewed twice, most recently in May – five months before his October performance evaluation. In 2023, the board also approved a raise, bringing his current salary to $346,529.Marrero also holds leadership positions within national education organizations, serving as president of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and on the executive committee of the Council of Great City Schools.
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Expanded News Report – Answers to Questions
Why? Alex Marrero declined the CEO position at Chicago Public Schools because he reaffirmed his commitment to Denver Public Schools, stating his dedication remains with
