Denver public schools elects Xóchitl Gaytán board president again as $18.5M funding crisis looms and enrollment collapses

Denver Public Schools has elected Xóchitl Gaytán as board president for a second nonconsecutive term on December 3, 2025. The decision comes as Colorado’s largest school district navigates unprecedented challenges including declining enrollment and potential school closures. Gaytán’s leadership will shape district policy during a critical period of financial and operational uncertainty.

Experienced Leader Returns During Crisis

Gaytán, a Denver Public Schools parent and real estate agent, brings institutional knowledge to a board facing mounting pressures. Her secret ballot victory over Marlene De La Rosa, the outgoing vice president, signals board members’ confidence in her ability to navigate complex district challenges. Gaytán is the only incumbent board member to win reelection last month, cementing her standing.

The vote took place during a specially called meeting Tuesday after the board initially postponed the election from November 21 following community pushback. DPS General Counsel Aaron Thompson presided over the secret ballot count using paper slips collected in a blue DPS baseball cap, though the vote tally remained undisclosed. This transparent-yet-private voting method reflects state law provisions for school board officer elections.

Critical Enrollment Crisis Demands Immediate Action

Denver Public Schools is grappling with a structural enrollment collapse affecting its budget and operations. The district lost approximately 1,200 students this academic year, predominantly immigrant children who had historically offset declining birth rates. This 2025 decline will trigger an $18.5 million funding reduction, as Colorado schools receive per-pupil funding allocations.

Long-term projections paint an even darker picture. District reports predict enrollment will plummet by 8% (approximately 6,005 students) by 2029—potentially forcing additional school closures and program consolidations. Lower birth rates, skyrocketing housing costs, and gentrification have been identified as primary drivers. The board previously committed to avoiding closures until 2030, but this policy may face pressure.

Union-Backed Board Consolidates Power as Political Tensions Rise

The Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA), which represents roughly 4,200 teachers, maintains a commanding majority on the board. The union invested approximately $79,100 supporting four candidates in this election cycle. Amy Klein Molk, Monica Hunter, DJ Torres, and Gaytán all carry union endorsements, giving teachers’ representatives decisive voting power on budget, curriculum, and labor issues.

Hunter, a former DPS teacher and current parent, was elected vice president by secret ballot Tuesday, further strengthening the union coalition. DJ Torres was elected treasurer and De La Rosa as secretary. The board positions appointment and agenda-setting authority in the hands of union-aligned members, potentially limiting reform-minded voices in an era where the Trump administration has begun pressuring school districts over policy issues including restroom access and diversity initiatives.

Board Presidency Wields Significant Control Over District Direction

As president, Gaytán will exercise considerable power over board operations and priorities. The role carries authority to set the board’s meeting agenda, make committee appointments, represent the board at public events, and manage media communications. While any three board members can propose agenda items, the president can remove them unilaterally—a gatekeeping function that shapes which issues receive board attention and time.

Gaytán’s first presidency, from 2021 through November 2023, proved contentious and consequential. Her tenure witnessed Superintendent Alex Marrero’s first attempted school closure, which surprised stakeholders due to limited public notification. The board also addressed the East High School shootings and related security policy changes. Most controversially, Gaytán presided over an executive session later ruled illegal under the Colorado Sunshine Law for discussing police-on-campus policy decisions without public presence.

What Challenges Will Gaytán Face as Board President Returns?

Gaytán inherits a district confronting interconnected crises requiring swift, difficult decisions. The enrollment hemorrhage means administrative downsizing, teacher layoffs, and school consolidations appear inevitable regardless of closure moratoriums. Simultaneously, the district faces federal pressure from the Trump administration on policy matters that have energized teacher union mobilization.

Additionally, financial audits reveal that Denver Public Schools operates with a negative net position—owing more in long-term obligations than holding in assets. The district maintains approximately $1 billion in unspent bond cash, but this cannot address structural spending problems. Gaytán must balance fiscal responsibility, community expectations, teacher union demands, and federal pressure while enrollment continues declining and available resources shrink. Her leadership during this critical juncture will define the district’s trajectory.

Sources

• Chalkbeat Colorado – Reporting on board president election and district challenges
• The Denver Gazette – Coverage of officer elections and school board dynamics
• Denver Post – Financial analysis and enrollment reporting

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.