News Release
June 27, 2005
Board Officially Appoints Michael Bennet as New DPS Superintendent
The Denver Board of Education today unanimously approved a motion to appoint Michael Bennet as the new Superintendent of Denver Public Schools. Currently, Bennet is the Chief of Staff to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.
"We believe that we have made the best choice," said Board of Education President Les Woodward, "but we believe Michael rose above some very high standards of others."
Woodward lauded the "absolutely excellent, top-flight candidates" who also were under consideration - Community College of Denver President Christine Johnson and St. Paul Public Schools Superintendent Pat Harvey.
Board member Elaine Gantz Berman thanked community members for the "vital role" they played in participating in community forums and other events last week.
"There is no doubt that Michael is going to be successful," she said. "He has the unanimous support of the Board, without exception."
Following the official appointment, Bennet said Denver Public Schools needs the community's support and assistance.
Bennet commended outgoing Superintendent Jerry Wartgow and the Board of Education for having built the "civic capacity" necessary to continue to move the district forward.
"I've said from the start and I'll say it again tonight," said Bennet, "that I believe this project really does belong to Denver, that Denver Public Schools can't do it alone.
"In the spirit of that notion of partnership with the city, on behalf of Denver's children what I would ask Denver to do beyond anything else is to put us, that is our children, on your shoulders so we can see clearly the future you imagine for us. Put us on your shoulders so we can fulfill your highest expectations of us. Put us on your broad and proud shoulders, Denver, so all of us as one community can embrace the full promise of our great city.
"I look forward to this more than you can know," he added. Bennet translated a few of key phrases into Spanish as he spoke.
Mayor John Hickenlooper, who attended an afternoon news conference when the decision to appoint Bennet was announced, said Bennet was a "wonderful choice" and represented a "very positive day for Denver Public Schools and the city of Denver."
Michael Bennet has been Chief of Staff to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper since July 2003. Bennet spent six years prior as Managing Director for the Anschutz Investment Company in Denver. He has a J.D. law degree from Yale Law School and a bachelor's degree in History from Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
Board President Woodward said terms of Bennet's contract would be negotiated immediately. Woodward said Bennet would start as Superintendent on Friday, July 1 but would only be available to Denver Public Schools on a part-time basis until about mid-July.
For more information, contact the DPS Communications Office at 720-423-3414.