School boards
The censure vote followed an inconclusive outside investigation into allegations that Hunter used antisemitic language.
The Denver school board met Thursday to discuss the report and whether to censure board Vice President Monica Hunter, who denies that she used inappropriate language.
“The appointment was done in secret: precisely the type of formal action the (Colorado Open Meetings Law) prohibits,” a district court judge wrote in August.
Seeking to limit the time and cost, the Denver school board ordered investigators to deliver a report by Oct. 8 into allegations that Vice President Monica Hunter used antisemitic language. Hunter has denied it.
Board President Xóchitl Gaytán recently accused Torres of a long list of policy violations that he has denied.
Three seats on the nine-member board are up for election on Nov. 3.
The board approved an agreement Thursday with an outside law firm to represent it in matters regarding the superintendent’s contract. The cost? $1,000 an hour for a partner at the firm and $550 an hour for an associate attorney.
Board Vice President Monica Hunter has been accused of allegedly using a derogatory term to refer to a Jewish board member. She denies it.
School board Vice President Monica Hunter denies allegations that she used derogatory language when referring to a Jewish board member.
Board Vice President Monica Hunter has been accused of allegedly using antisemitic language and member DJ Torres has been accused of missing multiple meetings, among other allegations.
The board discussed several alleged policy violations Wednesday, including that Monica Hunter allegedly used antisemitic language and DJ Torres missed meetings. Hunter and Torres have said the claims are baseless and exaggerated.
Board President Xóchitl Gaytán accused Monica Hunter of using antisemitic language and DJ Torres of missing meetings, among other allegations. Hunter and Torres said the accusations are baseless and exaggerated.
“Anyone can be a Monday morning quarterback, but I am proud of ERBOCES,” said one District 49 board member.
"We need more of this in general,” one board member said.
“I interpret the lack of suitors to be a collective, statewide referendum on ERBOCES, and their dissolution is therefore correct,” said one board member.
Superintendent Alex Marrero had expressed concerns about what he said was an attempt by the board to create a “parallel legal advisory system.”
The ruling invalidates a school board appointment and a 2025 agreement that allowed the opening of a ‘public Christian school.’
“There was an agreement signed in 2013 that I feel compelled to honor,” said Lance Bolton, the president of Pikes Peak State College.
“Our schools will not use the curriculum as a vehicle for religious instruction,” wrote Eddie Ramirez, superintendent of the Montezuma-Cortez district.
The Bluebonnet curriculum has drawn fierce criticism from some Texas parents and religious scholars.