Denver Public Schools (DPS), is the public school system in the City and County of Denver, Colorado, United States.

Education

Denver Public Schools

Jim Carpenter was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Operations in March 2021. Prior to that, he served in a number of roles in DPS, including Chief Financial Officer and previously as Executive Director of Choice and Planning. Before joining the District, Mr. Carpenter served as the Deputy Head of School and Chief Financial Officer for the American School of Doha in Doha, Qatar, and as a Resident Budget Advisor for the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Technical Assistance, providing technical support to government finance offices in Paraguay and Guatemala. He has also served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the New America School, a system of charter schools located in Colorado, and has led policy and economics research groups for the [City and County of Denver](/org/city-and-county-of-denver) and the consulting firm BBC Research & Consulting.

He holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a BS in History from the University of California at Berkeley.

Jim Carpenter

Dr. Alex Marrero became superintendent of Denver Public Schools, Colorado’s largest school district, on July 6, 2021. Dr. Marrero leads with a vision of supporting students the way educators supported him growing up and into his career. As the child of a Cuban refugee and an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Alex prides himself on representing many of the Latinx students in the communities he has served as a school leader and in district leadership positions. He attended New York City public schools, and began his education career there as well, serving as a guidance counselor, assistant principal and principal. He believes that every child can accomplish what he has, not only overcoming obstacles but being recognized as a leader in their chosen field.

His life experiences showed him both what a difference-maker a great education can be, and how shamefully different the opportunities are for Black and Brown students in a system of stark inequities. And he has made it his life’s work to–in his own words–“pursue equity and excellence for all students and help others see the diversity within our schools as a strength.”

Alex has been 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 received a Leadership and Excellence in Education Award from the Association of Dominican-American Supervisors and Administrators and was recognized as a Latino Administrator of the Year by the Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

In January 2020, Alex joined the City School District of New Rochelle as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. In September, he became the first Latinx head of the city’s school system, serving as acting and then interim superintendent. Prior to that, as Assistant Superintendent at East Ramapo Central School District, Alex supported schools into Good Standing and increased graduation rates.

Alex’s doctoral dissertation—Dominican Parents’ Involvement in Children’s College Aspirations and Achievement Motivation—speaks to his dedication and commitment to engaging families. His life exemplifies a bit of wisdom he borrows from Nelson Mandela; “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Alex Marrero

Jennifer Bacon is currently a Board Member at [Denver Public Schools](/org/denver-public-schools). Jennifer previously served as an Executive Board Member for Colorado at Emerge America from March 2019 to December 2019. Prior to that, they were the Regional Director for Colorado at Leadership for Educational Equity from March 2016 to July 2020. In this role, they were responsible for developing leaders and growing the movement for educational equity. Jennifer also served as the Managing Director of Alumni and Community Engagement at [Teach For America](/org/teach-for-america) from January 2013 to January 2016. In this role, they oversaw alumni relations and community engagement initiatives. Prior to that, they served as Dean of Students at Denver School of Science and Technology from August 2011 to December 2012. In this role, they were responsible for student discipline, attendance, and academic success.

Jennifer Bacon has a J.D. from William & Mary Law School, an Executive Education from Harvard Kennedy School, an MS from [Florida International University](/org/florida-international-university), and a BS in Management from [Tulane University](/org/tulane-university). Jennifer also attended Boyd H Anderson H.S.

Jennifer Bacon

Nancy Small is currently an Executive Assistant at [Denver Public Schools](/org/denver-public-schools). Previously, they were a Project Manager at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools from August 2010 to February 2012. Nancy has also worked as an Event Planner and an Administrative Assistant / Customer Support Representative. In their previous positions, Nancy has displayed their ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and under pressure, as well as their conflict management and prioritization skills.

Nancy Small has an associate's degree in business administration and management from Arapahoe Community College. Nancy also has a high school diploma from Smoky Hill High School.

Nancy Small reports to Michelle Berge, General Counsel.

Nancy Small

HANNAH CURRY

Edwin has a long history in serving public organizations. He came to DPS after working as the Deputy Commissioner of Enterprise Human Capital Management for the State of Minnesota. Previously, he led Human Resources with the Kansas City Public School District, among other organizations. Edwin started with the district in November 2021 and has shared he’s excited to be making a difference each day with our amazing teams.

Edwin leads our Human Resources team, and drives their strategies around employment and labor relations, performance management, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, training and development, and efforts to attract and retain great educators across DPS.

Among his notable achievements, while with the State of Minnesota, Edwin increased the hiring of people of color 5 percentage points, with 19% of overall new hires being people of color in 2019. He was also able to increase hiring of individuals with disabilities by about 3 percentage points. As we strive toward becoming a true Equity district, we know this expertise Edwin brings will help continue to push this important work forward and support our efforts already in place to bring on more educators who look like the students they serve.

Edwin Hudson

Richard Tagle is the President and CEO of the Denver Public Schools Foundation having joined the team in March 2022. In this role, Richard works collaboratively with the Board of Directors to execute a highly strategic vision and facilitate relationships with key stakeholders. Richard serves as a lead fundraiser to direct and execute a comprehensive and multi-faceted fundraising and community engagement operation to support both long-term vision and annual goals of the DPS Foundation.

Prior to DPS Foundation, Richard was the President and CEO of the Andy Roddick Foundation in Austin, Texas. Previous positions held include Managing Partner at High Think, Chief Executive Officer at [Higher Achievement](/org/higher-achievement-program-inc), Chief of Staff at Public Education Network (a network of local education funds and public school foundations), and Senior Program Officer at the United States Conference of Mayors.

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Richard earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from [American University](/org/american-university) and his Master of Arts in Applied Sociology/Social Policy from the same institution.

We know that when our students thrive, our city thrives. I believe in our mission because public education is one of the formative pillars of a civil and democratic society. Everything our community has become, and will ever be, stems from how our public education functions.

Richard Tagle

Cesar Cedillo was born in Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico and came to the United States as a 2nd grade monolingual 8-year-old. He is a proud product of the Denver Public Schools where he attended DPS schools throughout his younger years culminating in graduating from West High School. After high school, he attended [Metropolitan State University](/org/metropolitan-state-university), earning a Bachelor’s degree in History with a teaching certificate. He immediately began his career as a classroom teacher, teaching ELA-S social studies at Kunsmiller Middle School. He earned his Master’s degree from the University of Colorado at Denver in 2002. After teaching, he became an assistant principal at both Morey and Bruce Randolph. While at Bruce Randolph, he was promoted as the principal and enjoyed a great and exciting 9-year run, changing the paradigm for students in the Swansea/Elyria neighborhood.

In 2018 he became an Operational Superintendent working with leaders in Pathway, SE, and SW networks/regions. In 2021 he was promoted to the Associate Chief of Schools. He leads with humility and prioritizes authentic, caring, positive relationships with all stakeholders. As a DPS grad, he understands DPS students deserve the best educational experience that will catapult them to become productive members of our society. He is happily married- 17 years and counting. He loves and cherishes watching his two kids, Roman and Anaya, grow up to become great young people. He is an avid Broncos, CU Buffs, Nuggets and Dodgers fan.

Cesar Cedillo

Dr. Darlene LeDoux is a Regional Assistant Instructional Superintendent and Senior Advisor to the Culturally Responsive Curriculum and Instruction team in the Denver Public Schools where she provides guidance, support and leadership for Coaching for Equity. Although Dr. LeDoux’s parents did not have the same academic opportunities as Dr. LeDoux and her siblings, it was their example of hard work, commitment to their community and love for their family that inspired Dr. LeDoux to dedicate her life advocating for education, children and families in Colorado.

As a young Latina, the lack of Latina/o educators was shocking to Dr. LeDoux. Her leadership began early when in 6th grade she became one of Denver’s youngest members of the Latin American Student Club and advocated to have more Latina/o teachers at her school and in the Denver Public Schools. She “walked out” of Rishel Junior High to show her continued frustration with the lack of role models in the school system and the need for more culturally and linguistically relevant books and materials for students in the Denver Public Schools.

She began her career as a bilingual first-grade teacher in rural Colorado. She rapidly achieved success and at the age of 30, became one of the youngest principals in the Denver Public Schools. Darlene was the first Latina principal of Denver North High School. Her leadership journey includes roles as the principal of Lena Lovato Archuleta Elementary where her efforts resulted in the school achieving the highest academic growth and academic standing in Far Northeast Denver where her leadership was instrumental in the creation of a model school for active and effective parental engagement designed to increase student achievement. In addition, Dr. LeDoux has been a central office leader in the Cherry Creek Schools and in the Denver Public Schools.

Dr. LeDoux earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education at the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Arts degree in Bilingual/ESL Education, and a Ph.D. in Education Leadership, both, at the University of Colorado at Denver. She is a mentor/coach to school and central office leaders, was an Executive Board member of the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) Consortium, served as a Trustee at the University of Northern Colorado, Advisory Board member to the President – Community College of Denver, Chairperson of the Principals’ Leadership Council (PLC) in Far Northeast Denver, president of the Colorado Association of School Personnel Administrators, president of the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals and Board of Directors, Latino Education Coalition.

Dr. LeDoux has received awards from the Colorado Association of Bilingual Bicultural Education, CoTESOL, Mason Columbine Lodge Award for Innovations in Biliteracy Education for the Colorado Seal of Biliteracy, Latinas First Foundation Trailblazer, Boy Scouts – Vale la Pena, La Rasa – Lena Archuleta Education Excellence Award and the EPIC School Best Practices Award. She and her husband, Rene have two daughters and are thrilled to be parents of the next generation of Latina leaders.

Darlene Ledoux

LeAnn Slama is returning to the home where her parents met, fell in love, had season tickets to the Broncos, and ultimately started their family – Denver. Family vacations were often taken over the years to Denver and Casa Bonita was always a must when visiting. She believes every child should have the same opportunity, no matter a student’s socioeconomic status, culture, or race. In fact, LeAnn strongly believes education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring all students can pursue their academic and professional dreams.

A public education success story, LeAnn’s childhood love of learning propelled her to earn multiple academic degrees and bring her talents to the classroom. As a Sign Language Interpreter, she saw the impact a caring adult made on young people. She, therefore, went on to serve students and communities in roles such as the Chief of Staff, Project Manager, District School Coordinator, and Assistant Principal for more than 15 years.

But LeAnn’s professional background isn’t limited to the education sector. She also possesses a strong business acumen from working with CEOs and C-Suite executives to develop recruitment and retention strategies to diversify the workforce. LeAnn has extensive experience assisting leaders navigate organizational change, build leadership capacity, and create short and long-term strategic plans.

LeAnn is currently working on her doctorate in education and holds a master’s degree in education, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and an associate degree in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Interpretation. She is also a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

In her spare time, LeAnn enjoys spending time with her dog Rudy, cheering on the [Minnesota Vikings](/org/minnesota-vikings), and exploring new-to-her areas of Colorado.

LeAnn Slama

Michelle Berge

Deborah Staten

Tony Smith

Bradley Laurvick

Tay Anderson is a Board Member At Large at [Denver Public Schools](/org/denver-public-schools). Tay has previous experience working as a Restorative Practices Coordinator at [Denver Public Schools](/org/denver-public-schools), a cashier at Regal Entertainment Group, and a candidate for the [Denver Public Schools](/org/denver-public-schools) Board of Education. Tay also served as President of Manual High School from August 2014 to June 2017.

Tay Anderson attended Manual High School in Denver, Colorado.

Denver Public Schools

Org chart

Teams

Board of Directors

Leadership Team

CEO and Executive Team

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