DPS Snapshots Show with Natalie B. - District Updates for Dec. 12

1. Let's Talk About DPS Finances - A New DPS Q&A with Our CFO

School finances can feel confusing, and many members of the DPS community have asked great questions about how DPS manages its budget, long-term debt and voter-approved bond dollars. In this week’s DPS Q&A, Communications Manager Nicole Brady sits down with our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chuck Carpenter, for an open conversation about where DPS funds come from, how money is spent and how financial responsibility affects students.

In the Q&A, our CFO breaks down:

• Why DPS once again received a clean external audit.
• Why school districts often appear to have more debt than assets (and why that number doesn’t tell the whole story).
• How more than 90% of the DPS funding goes directly into schools.
• How you can easily look up DPS financial information at any time.

You can Listen to the conversation with DPS CFO Chuck Carpenter

2. Department of Climate & Safety Hosts First Community Shopping Event with Students at Target

On Dec. 6, the Department of Climate & Safety hosted its first community partnership holiday shopping event at Target Northfield. Over 30 team members — including officers, emergency management specialists and the climate team — spent the morning helping students choose gifts using donated $150 Target gift cards. It was a morning full of connection, kindness and shared celebration. The event was made even more special by the attendance of Denver Police Department Chief Ron Thomas, School Resource Officers and Mayor Mike Johnston, whose participation added energy and visibility to the day. The event highlighted the strong and growing relationships the Department of Climate & Safety continues to build in schools, neighborhoods and across the district.

3. Reminder: School Budget Training for Collaborative School Committees

Join us for the Winter Collaborative School Committees (CSC) School Budgets Training on Jan. 6 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Zoom. This intro level training is open to all community members and focuses on:

• Understanding the annual school budget process and how DPS funds schools.
• Discussing the role of CSCs in providing recommendations to school leadership.
• Sharing resources, best practices and address some frequently asked questions

To attend, complete the training registration form. You will receive an email copy of the registration with the Zoom link and also be added to the calendar invite.

4. Last Chance! Join Us at the DCPA for A Christmas Carol

Join us today at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for their production of “A Christmas Carol” at Wolfe Theatre! Receive a discount on tickets using code DPSFUNDXMAS. Five dollars from each ticket purchased will be donated back to the Denver Public Schools Foundation! Enjoy the show while supporting DPS students and educators! If you have questions, email [e-mail].

Buy your tickets for “A Christmas Carol”

5. DPS Hosts Student Tech Conference with Focus on AI

DPS tackled the complex topic of Artificial Intelligence in its first-ever student tech conference. Hear more from students about their feelings on AI.

That’s all for this week! Remember, one more week of school before we’re off for holiday break!

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