A Denver Public Schools (DPS) board chair withdrew from the Colorado Senate race following criticism over her defense of the district’s superintendent, who has an undocumented immigration status. The controversy has occurred while the school district is facing low public approval ratings.
Story Highlights
- Denver Public Schools board chair withdrew from Colorado Senate race following backlash over superintendent controversy
- Chair invoked “radical empathy” to defend hiring and retaining undocumented immigrants as district leader
- DPS already faces crisis of confidence with only 22% public approval rating as of April 2025
- Four of seven board seats up for election in November amid calls for transparency and accountability
Political Fallout Forces Strategic Retreat
The Denver Public Schools board chair withdrew from her Colorado Senate campaign in October 2025 after facing sustained public criticism regarding the employment status of the district’s superintendent. The superintendent’s status as an undocumented immigrant became a central issue in the political debate surrounding the school board.
The board chair used the term “radical empathy” in defense of the decision to hire and retain the superintendent. The withdrawal from the Senate race has been interpreted by some as a result of the political opposition generated by this issue and the superintendent’s employment status.
Dem school board chair drops Senate bid after ‘radical empathy’ backlash over illegal immigrant superintendent https://t.co/KSTvhm1tQa pic.twitter.com/6yje7uNRSy
— New York Post (@nypost) October 17, 2025
District Already Plagued by Leadership Crisis
Denver Public Schools was already experiencing challenges related to public confidence prior to the superintendent controversy. Reports indicate that the district had a public approval rating of 22% as of April 2025.
The district has addressed issues including declining enrollment figures, safety concerns following a 2023 student shooting at East High School, and persistent gaps in student achievement. Previous school board elections have seen incumbent members removed from office following criticisms regarding transparency and governance practices. These issues have indicated an ongoing dissatisfaction within the community regarding the district’s leadership.
Immigration Status and Educational Authority
The superintendent’s undocumented immigration status has raised questions regarding legal compliance and leadership credibility for some in public education. The continued employment of the superintendent has been criticized by those who argue that school boards should prioritize adherence to legal requirements. The board chair’s use of “radical empathy” has been cited by critics as an example of prioritizing ideological considerations over standard governance practices.
November Elections Present Accountability Moment
The upcoming November 2025 election will place four of the seven school board seats on the ballot, providing an opportunity for changes in district leadership. Public forums have indicated a high demand among Denver voters for candidates who focus on transparency, school safety, and student academic performance. Advocacy organizations, including Denver Families Action, have stated that they are mobilizing resources to support candidates who prioritize educational outcomes.
The ongoing controversy regarding the superintendent and the board chair’s withdrawal from the Senate race highlights a continued debate regarding the priorities of education leadership in the context of legal compliance and community trust.
"It’s clear I need to focus on the work at hand."
Des Moines school board chair Jackie Norris ends her U.S. Senate bid, citing fallout from the superintendent immigration scandal that’s rocked Iowa’s largest school district. pic.twitter.com/c2VIZAiNcq
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 16, 2025
Sources:
Chalkbeat Colorado – Denver School Board Election Coverage
Colorado Politics – DPS Board Candidates Forum Coverage
