Superintendent of Denver Public Schools Selected


Denver Board of Education to Offer Dr. Alex Marrero Contract to Serve as Superintendent of Denver Public Schools

Denver Board Will Vote to Appoint Dr. Marrero as Superintendent on June 3

The Denver Board of Education announced Wednesday May 26, 2021 that they have begun contract negotiations with Dr. Alex Marrero to fill the role of superintendent for Denver Public Schools. The vote to confirm the appointment will occur on June 3.

“Dr. Marrero rose to the top as the best leader for the students, staff and community of Denver Public Schools,” said Carrie Olson, Board President. “We are grateful to everyone who participated in the collaborative search process with their time, energy, passion and partnership. We hope everyone will join us in welcoming Dr. Alex Marrero to Denver Public Schools.”

Dr. Marrero brings with him a decade of experience as a guidance counselor, assistant principal and principal in the New York City Department of Education. In January 2020, he joined the City School District of New Rochelle as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and became the first Latinx head of the city’s school system in September, serving as acting and then interim superintendent. Dr. Marrero previously served as Assistant Superintendent at the East Ramapo Central School District in New York, where he notably supported moving schools into Good Standing and increased graduation rates among students.

“High-quality public education is a cornerstone of our democratic society,” said Dr. Marrero. “Students in urban districts face unique challenges related to issues such as poverty, acceptance of the status quo, and the general under-serving of many students. True academic success requires not only raising the bar but also closing the gap. My preparation, education, work, life experiences, and other community experiences have all focused on my goal of leading a district like the Denver Public Schools as Superintendent. My own personal values, along with my professional record, demonstrate my passion and ability for leading change and improving organizational effectiveness on behalf of students, while significantly improving student achievement.”

Dr. Marrero has earned numerous awards for education, including being honored as an outstanding administrator by the Latino Caucus of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators and inducted into the New York Academy of Public Education. He has earned degrees from Fordham University, Manhattan College and Sage Colleges where he was the recipient of the Outstanding Student Award.

“I join the Denver community in welcoming Dr. Alex Marrero as the next Superintendent of Denver Public Schools,” said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. “I look forward to working in partnership with him to ensure not only his success in this new role, but also and most importantly the success of our DPS students.”

Dr. Ron Cabrera, veteran educator, leadership consultant as well as past-Chair for the Colorado Association of Latino/a Administration and Superintendents (CO-ALAS) and former interim superintendent of DPS, noted Dr. Marrero’s experience growing up as an English-language learner and his demonstrated commitment to closing the achievement gap for students makes him uniquely poised to meet the needs of Denver’s diverse population.

“Dr. Marrero will undoubtedly bring his passion for equity in education to the forefront of achieving excellence for all students. With a large population of English-language learners in Denver Public Schools, it’s critically important that we weave the necessary support into the educational foundation for our students. I trust and am confident that Dr. Marrero will lead with the understanding and compassion needed to prioritize those students who have historically been underserved.”

Dwight Jones will continue to serve as Interim Superintendent until Dr. Marrero officially joins DPS.

“Dr. Marrero brings a tremendous amount of passion, talent, and commitment to DPS,” said Jones. “I’m excited to have him lead the team and to connect more closely with our richly diverse community. I look forward to working with and supporting him as I return to my role as Senior Deputy Superintendent of Equity and Engagement.”