Denver Superintendent Alex Marrero Will Remain with District, Dispels Chicago Rumors
DENVER – Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero affirmed today he will remain in his role, dismissing recent speculation linking him to the Chicago Public Schools leadership search.Marrero, who has led Denver Public Schools since 2021, released a statement through the district confirming his commitment to the Denver community.
Marrero’s tenure has seen graduation rates rise and the district’s state rating improve to “green” this year,the second-highest rating,for the first time since 2019. Prior to Denver, he served as interim superintendent of New Rochelle, New York, and held assistant superintendent positions in New Rochelle and East Ramapo, New York. He began his career in New York City as a guidance counselor, assistant principal, and principal, and also attended school in the Bronx.
Despite these gains, Marrero has faced challenges including concerns over school safety following a string of shootings near Denver’s East High School, and controversy surrounding school closures and central office cuts, issues noted in his latest performance evaluation.
His current contract with Denver Public Schools extends through 2028, having been extended twice, most recently in May. The Denver school board also approved a raise for Marrero in 2023, bringing his current salary to $346,529.
Marrero is actively involved in national education leadership, serving as president of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and on the executive committee of the Council of Great City Schools.He identifies as Afro Latino and is bilingual, reflecting the diversity of the denver student population, where over half the students are latino and roughly a third are English language learners.
