DJ Torres, a former teacher with the Denver Public Schools (DPS), is running for the central-east Denver school board seat in a time of significant shifts for the district.
Torres, who emphasizes his strong support for unions and public education, is competing for the District 3 position currently held by Carrie Olson, who is unable to seek reelection due to term limits.
At 40, Torres brings a wealth of experience in education to his campaign.
He previously taught special education at Montbello High School and later at Florence Crittenton High School, a DPS institution that supports pregnant and parenting teens.
After earning a Ph.D. in California, he returned to Denver to contribute to districtwide equity initiatives, including the development of a 2020 school board resolution aimed at creating a more inclusive curriculum that highlights Black, Latino, and Indigenous histories.
Torres’ dedication to equity continued with his work in former Mayor Michael Hancock’s office, focusing on initiatives that promote better educational outcomes.
Most recently, he worked with Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit focused on preventing gun violence in schools, spearheaded by families affected by the tragic Sandy Hook shooting.
His decision to run for school board is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and the current political landscape.
Torres describes the present as a time when public education is under threat and feels a strong calling to make a systemic change.
Additionally, as a father with a son enrolled in DPS, specifically McMeen Elementary, he sees a direct link between his advocacy work and his child’s educational experience.
“Having a son who’s daily impacted by the ways we’re doing this work as a district inspired me to run and be a systems-level changer,” Torres stated.
The upcoming school board elections in November are crucial, as four out of the seven board seats will be contested.
Currently, most seats are held by members supported by the Denver teachers union, but this could shift in the upcoming election, which comes at a pivotal moment for DPS.
The district has faced numerous challenges, including a sharp decline in enrollment leading to multiple school closures in the last two years.
New policies aimed at addressing low-performing schools have raised concerns over potential additional closures.
Notably, DPS has recently found itself in the national spotlight due to controversies surrounding an all-gender high school restroom and ongoing litigation against the federal government to safeguard immigrant students.
While DPS celebrated its highest graduation rate yet last year, many students continue to grapple with learning losses incurred during the pandemic.
Torres is attuned to the discontent among teachers regarding budgetary decisions, especially as they relate to cost-of-living raises compared to the bonuses granted to the superintendent.
The board is also dealing with internal strife, including an investigation regarding allegations of racial discrimination against one of its members.
As a Latino and openly queer candidate, Torres brings a unique perspective to the table.
He and his partner are dedicated to ensuring their son has access to the resources and support within DPS that they value.
If elected to the board, Torres plans to prioritize school safety by advocating for increased mental health services and initiatives that foster a sense of community within schools, believing these factors can help reduce school-based violence.
Furthermore, he aims to support better pay for teachers, emphasizing that equitable class sizes are crucial.
In his view, it is contradictory for DPS to be labeled an equity district when some classrooms have as many as 35 students while others have only 20.
Torres asserts that ensuring equitable services for immigrant, refugee, and vulnerable populations is essential.
He intends to enhance support for English language learners and students with disabilities, which he believes will benefit the entire community.
Acknowledging the district’s declining student population, Torres stresses the need for inclusion in decision-making about school closures.
“I don’t think anyone wants to be dealt hard news in a transactional way. They want a role,” he expressed.
He firmly opposes the practice of closing schools based solely on student test scores, advocating for a more nuanced approach.
On the topic of the superintendent, Torres indicated that while many voters have inquired about his stance on Superintendent Alex Marrero, he believes it’s important for new board members to maintain an open mind when stepping into their responsibilities.
“I’m committed to being a very good employer to what I hope will be a very good employee,” he concluded, highlighting his approach to school governance.
image source from：https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2025/06/09/dj-torres-dps-dad-former-teacher-running-denver-school-board-district-3/
