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Denver Public Schools has hired Sito Narcisse, a school administrator who recently was a finalist for the top job in Chicago Public Schools, to fill a high-ranking role on an interim basis.
Narcisse joined the district May 1 as interim chief of schools, a position that has not existed since cuts to administrative office positions a year ago, according to a district spokesperson.
Narcisse brings about 15 years of education administration experience, including as superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, District of Columbia Public Schools’ chief of secondary schools, and Metro Nashville Public Schools chief of schools.
Narcisse’s tenure as East Baton Rouge superintendent split community opinions. Supporters praised his initiatives that linked high school students with college-level courses, while others raised concerns about his communication style and pointed to low employee morale. The school board voted narrowly in late 2023 to not renew his contract.
After leaving East Baton Rouge, Narcisse launched an education consulting company. He also hosts an education podcast called Unlearned and Unlimited, where he has interviewed education experts and former superintendents.
Narcisse was a finalist for the Chicago Public Schools CEO role, which after a prolonged search went in March to an internal candidate who had been serving as interim CEO.
In Denver, Narcisse’s interim job responsibilities include “providing vision, strategic direction, and driving educational excellence,” the spokesperson said. The chief of schools also leads initiatives that support school leaders in helping students. Information on Narcisse’s salary was not immediately available; Chalkbeat has filed a public information request for it.
Narcisse declined an interview request.
Superintendent Alex Marrero announced in April he would realign central office positions and reestablish the chief of schools position. The district did not provide a timetable for posting the permanent job, for which Narcisse could be a candidate, the spokesman said.
Jason Gonzales is a reporter covering higher education and the Colorado legislature. Chalkbeat Colorado partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Contact Jason at jgonzales@chalkbeat.org.
