By signing this petition, you are stating you do not agree with the Denver Public School board’s decision to close Columbian Elementary. Not only is Columbian our neighborhood school, it is also our home. Home to many children, their parents and the community. The decision by DPS was made because of low student enrollment and a budget shortfall despite having previously given the community at Columbian until 2024 to garner more children. The community at Columbian has worked tirelessly to ensure funding for the school is supported by other sources outside of DPS.  

Columbian has transitioned into an Arts Infusion school. This has created a space for student voice and choice. Principal Cervantes has secured several large grants that have given children the opportunity to take field trips, have more art focused classes, have access to after school programs and have funding that goes back into the classrooms to support our children. These opportunities would not have been possible without our principal’s efforts as DPS does not provide funding to our school for these resources.Therefore, their decision to close Columbian due to a budget shortfall is not supported.

Please show your support for the children, families, and staff of Columbian Elementary by letting Dr. Marrero know Columbian is and has been a vital part of this community for over one hundred years and you do not agree with his decision to close and consolidate our community school. You do not agree that adding more students to one building supports DPS’s vision of  “discovering a world of opportunity” as they are now taking away our children’s opportunity to learn in an environment where they are supported by a close knit family of staff members. An opportunity to learn with creativity, curiosity and connection. We do not agree with this decision and we will not let our close-knit community be easily abolished. We are small but we are mighty! We are Columbian! 

Along with signing the petition please also reach out to the following school board members:

Scott_Esserman1@dpsk12.org

auontai_anderson@dpsk12.org

scott_baldermann@dpsk12.org

charmaine_lindsay@dpsk12.org

michelle_quattlebaum@dpsk12.org

carrie_olson@dpsk12.org

xochitl_gaytan@dpsk12.org