Press Release: Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero Faces Controversy Amidst Significant Salary and Budget Decisions
In 2024, Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero has been at the center of numerous controversies that have reshaped discussions around educational leadership in the district. Key headlines were driven by Marrero’s decisions regarding compensation, budget allocations, and school closures.
An investigation by The Denver Gazette revealed that Marrero utilized 2020 bond money to upgrade to a $100,000 corner office with a view, just as the economy was recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision raised eyebrows, particularly as Marrero denied teachers a full 5.2% cost-of-living (COLA) increase, while he himself received the entire amount. His current base salary now stands at $346,529.12, reflecting a 25% increase since he took charge three years ago, despite the state setting the Consumer Price Index to adjust COLA amounts.
Additionally, the Denver Board of Education is due to vote on an arbitrator’s non-binding decision regarding a complaint from the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, further underscoring tensions between Marrero’s administration and teachers.
Marrero stirred further discontent when he announced a controversial list of school closures just after a nearly $1 billion bond approval — the largest in district history. His resulting absence at home during this tumultuous period, choosing instead to attend the Global Cities Education Network’s annual symposium, led to criticism from community members. Elizabeth Burciaga, a local organizer, described Marrero’s departure as “cowardly,” reflecting a community grappling with significant educational changes.
Over his two years in office, Marrero has also taken an unprecedented number of out-of-state trips for speaking engagements, outspending his predecessors in travel during his first 18 months. His administrative choices continue to spark debate about priorities in Denver’s educational landscape.