Denver Public Schools Board of Education Names Interim Superintendent

Dwight Jones, Senior Deputy Superintendent of Equity, Will Lead the District Through the End of the School Year 

DENVER – The Denver Public Schools Board of Education announced today that Dwight Jones, Senior Deputy Superintendent for Equity, will serve as Interim Superintendent through July 2021. The official vote will take place during the Dec. 17 board meeting, with Jones assuming the role on Jan. 1, 2021.

“Dwight’s heart and passion for strong public schools is reflected in his commitment to equity work in DPS,” said Dr. Carrie Olson, DPS Board President. “Dwight is one of Colorado’s most respected and experienced leaders in public education, and the Board has tremendous confidence that he is the right person to guide the district through this next phase of leadership.”

Jones steps into the role with several years of experience in K-12 education. Jones served as Colorado’s Commissioner of Education from 2007-2010 before serving as Superintendent from 2010-2013 for the Clark County School District, the nation’s fifth-largest district. Jones joined DPS’ senior leadership team in 2019.

Superintendent Susana Cordova will serve DPS until the end of the year and is committed to supporting a successful transition before joining Dallas Independent School District as Deputy Superintendent.

The Board of Education will meet on Dec. 9 to discuss a timeline for the superintendent search. Jones does not intend to seek the role beyond his time as interim. The Board will be conducting a national search for the district’s next leader, hiring a search firm to support the work. Additionally, board members will seek community feedback and engagement throughout the process. Four members of the current Board were a part of the superintendent search process in 2018.