School boards
School board Vice President Monica Hunter denies allegations that she used derogatory language when referring to a Jewish board member.
Board Vice President Monica Hunter has been accused of allegedly using antisemitic language and member DJ Torres has been accused of missing multiple meetings, among other allegations.
The board discussed several alleged policy violations Wednesday, including that Monica Hunter allegedly used antisemitic language and DJ Torres missed meetings. Hunter and Torres have said the claims are baseless and exaggerated.
Board President Xóchitl Gaytán accused Monica Hunter of using antisemitic language and DJ Torres of missing meetings, among other allegations. Hunter and Torres said the accusations are baseless and exaggerated.
“Anyone can be a Monday morning quarterback, but I am proud of ERBOCES,” said one District 49 board member.
"We need more of this in general,” one board member said.
“I interpret the lack of suitors to be a collective, statewide referendum on ERBOCES, and their dissolution is therefore correct,” said one board member.
Superintendent Alex Marrero had expressed concerns about what he said was an attempt by the board to create a “parallel legal advisory system.”
The ruling invalidates a school board appointment and a 2025 agreement that allowed the opening of a ‘public Christian school.’
“There was an agreement signed in 2013 that I feel compelled to honor,” said Lance Bolton, the president of Pikes Peak State College.
“Our schools will not use the curriculum as a vehicle for religious instruction,” wrote Eddie Ramirez, superintendent of the Montezuma-Cortez district.
The Bluebonnet curriculum has drawn fierce criticism from some Texas parents and religious scholars.
The Denver school board doesn’t usually meet in July, but held a special meeting Monday morning because of a recent conflict between Superintendent Alex Marrero and the board.
Among his concerns: that the board is getting too involved in administrative matters and that he’s in the crosshairs of disputes between members.
In a four-page missive, Marrero detailed several concerns, including that the board is getting too involved in administrative matters.
The public education co-op could be at odds with state law once Pikes Peak State College withdraws.
“We have just been through hell on account of Pastor Friberg,” one school board member said.
The Elizabeth School District quit the group four months after joining.
Support for the ban was strong among school staff and parents but not so much among students, according to a district survey.
The Denver school board will vote on the final version of the policy June 8.