News Release
Nov. 23, 2004
Superintendent Jerry Wartgow To Host Community Meeting At Cole Middle School On Monday, Nov. 29
Superintendent Jerry Wartgow is inviting Cole Middle School families, community members, students and staff to a community meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29 at the school to review the state Board of Education's decision (announced yesterday) to select the Knowledge is Power Program as the charter school operator to run Cole Middle School.
KIPP, which also runs Sunshine Peak Academy in Denver along with a national network of schools, will negotiate a specific charter school contract with Denver Public Schools for Cole. The transition to charter school management is spelled out in the state's school accountability law, which mandates such a conversion for schools that fail to meet specific achievement benchmarks.
Meeting attendees will have an opportunity to provide their thoughts about the transition to KIPP and raise any other relevant concerns or questions. Northeast Assistant Area Superintendent Nicole Veltze and Cole Middle School principal Jennifer Barton also will attend the meeting. Spanish translation will be available.
KIPP's application before the state Board of Education charter stated that it could not implement its program until the 2006-2007 school year. However, the plan approved by the state requires that KIPP implement key features of its program in the 2005-2006 school year and be accountable for results.
"We're looking forward to working with KIPP," said Denver Superintendent Jerry Wartgow. "KIPP has a good track record for student achievement in Denver and around the country. We will work out the contract details and do our best to make a smooth transition for students, families and staff."
Cole Middle School is located at 3240 Humboldt St.
For more information, contact the DPS Communications Office at 720-423-3414.