Dear Friends and DPS Supporters,

Yesterday when I checked my mailbox, I received the white envelope with wavy blue stripes and stars, my mail-in ballot for the 2016 election. Seeing it reminded me of the right of voting and the greatest gift of democracy. As a naturalized citizen, I take voting very seriously and consider it an incredible privilege. As a DPS mom, I know this ballot is an important opportunity to shape the future of our city and our children.

vote2newOne of the issues on the ballot that Denver voters will decide are 3A and 3B, the Bond and Mill Levy proposals. The Denver Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors has endorsed these measures because of what they’ll do for DPS students, and because of the proven results from the 2012 Bond and Mill Levy initiatives (click here to see results from the 2012 Bond and Mill Levy). While we know the current proposals won’t solve all of our funding issues, they offer an important step.

Currently, Colorado ranks near the bottom nationally in the amount we invest in our students’ education—42nd out of 50 states. We also know that DPS students receive less funding per student now than at the height of the Great Recession. You can watch an informative and quick video on DPS funding here. Our students—our future leaders—deserve more.

Among other things, 3A & 3B will provide funds for social emotional supports for our students; support for early literacy programs; and support for high-quality teachers and leaders, including investments in teacher leadership collaboration. The proposals also provide funds for maintaining facilities. Approximately half of DPS schools were built before 1969, with many going without upgrades for decades. There would also be funds for new schools and school additions to support the projected 4,000 student increase DPS will see by 2020.

As I think about these proposals, I think about what our students—including my own two DPS students—have gained. Because of the 2012 Bond, my oldest son has the opportunity to attend DSST at the Byers Campus. And when I walk with my youngest son at Carson Elementary, greenish 1960s tile was replaced with bright new floors that welcome us as a representation of our students’ bright futures. The 2012 Mill Levy also funded investments in programs that are literally changing the lives of our students. DPS’ career and technical education (now more formally CareerConnect) was bolstered by investments from previous Mill Levy proposals. CareerConnect now provides classes and experiences to prepare students for the workforce and higher education. tito-studentnew2

At a recent event, we invited CEC Early College high school student Tito (pictured left with Superintendent Tom Boasberg) to share his experience in CareerConnect and talk about the internship he completed at Lutheran Medical Center. I had planned to stand with him while he spoke to “make him feel at ease.” Tito did not need me! He took the floor and captured the attention of every attendee. He was bursting to share how he was applying what he was learning, including one of his favorite experiences, watching a left heart catheterization, which he had learned about in class. It was clear he had gained confidence and maturity from contributing in his workplace. CareerConnect, now nationally-recognized, has been taken to scale through public-private partnership that had its roots in Bond and Mill funding.

At the event we held with Tito, after the adults spoke, we called for questions. An attendee raised her hand, looked at Tito and said, “Our future is bright.” Yes, when we put students first.

This is why I invite you to inform yourself about these ballot initiatives and exercise your right to vote. If you ever wish to talk, please feel free to call me at 720-423-3535 or email at vfigoli@dpsfoundation.org.

iGracias!

Today and always for OUR kids,

Verónica Figoli
President & CEO