For the second year in a row, Denver Public Schools has earned the Governor’s award for the most improved school district in the state of Colorado. Governor Bill Owens also proclaimed that Monday, Jan. 12 would be designated as a day “recognizing the achievements of Denver Public Schools.”

In the proclamation released late yesterday (Thursday, Jan. 8), Governor Owens lauded Denver Public Schools for being “strongly focused on boosting student achievement for all of its students.”

Noting progress on 2003 School Accountability Ratings, the proclamation recognized the district “as one of the best urban school systems in the United States.”

Earlier in the day Thursday, Gov. Owens singled out DPS Superintendent Jerry Wartgow and Columbine Elementary School Principal Janice Spearman during the State of the State address. In front of a live television audience and packed chambers in the House of Representatives, Owens commended Denver Public Schools as a district on the move.

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 720-423-3414.

» View the complete text of the proclamation