Most people know Aaron Thompson as General Counsel for Denver Public Schools.
What they don’t know? He’s also a rapper, painter, and creative at heart.

In this episode of DPS Stories, Aaron opens up about his journey—from working on DPS buses to becoming the district’s top lawyer—and how art, music, and service have shaped the way he leads. He reflects on growing up in Aurora, finding his voice through creativity, and why keeping students first is at the center of everything he does.

This is a conversation about identity, leadership, and doing meaningful work without leaving parts of yourself behind.

🎧 Watch or listen to DPS Stories wherever you get your podcasts.

El proceso de EscojoMiEscuela puede parecer complicado, pero no tiene por qué serlo.

En este episodio de EDUCA DPS, el equipo de Servicios de Inscripción de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver explica cómo funciona EscojoMiEscuela y qué deben tener en cuenta las familias al prepararse para el año escolar 2026–27. Aprenderá por qué la ventana de solicitud abre más temprano, cómo funcionan las zonas de inscripción y qué considerar al explorar opciones escolares para su estudiante.

Ya sea que participe en EscojoMiEscuela por primera vez o que solo necesite un repaso, esta conversación está diseñada para ayudar a las familias a sentirse informadas y seguras al tomar decisiones importantes para sus hijos.

¿Conoce a alguien que pueda beneficiarse de esta información? Comparta este episodio y ayude a más familias a navegar el proceso de EscojoMiEscuela.

School Choice can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode of EDUCA DPS, members of the Denver Public Schools Enrollment Services team break down the School Choice process and what families should know as they prepare for the 2026–27 school year. You’ll learn why the application window is opening earlier, how enrollment zones work, and what to consider when exploring school options for your student.

Whether you’re navigating School Choice for the first time or looking for a refresher, this conversation is designed to help families feel informed and confident as they make decisions for their students.

Know someone who could benefit from this information? Share the episode and help them navigate the School Choice process.

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 events@dpsfoundation.org.

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!

Please remember to like and subscribe to our show!

In this DPS Q&A, Denver Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Chuck Carpenter sits down with DPS Communications Manager Nicole Brady to answer community questions about school finances.

The conversation breaks down how DPS budgets work, what a “clean audit” means, and why the district carries long-term debt. Chuck explains how voter-approved bonds are used to fund school construction and improvements, how financial oversight works, and how DPS ensures that resources are focused on students.

They also discuss enrollment trends, future funding challenges, and how families and community members can review DPS financial information and stay informed.

This video is part of our ongoing effort to make DPS finances more transparent and accessible to the community.

Learn more about DPS finances and find additional resources at: dpsk12.org

1 SchoolChoice

DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 for the 2026-27 school year is now open until 4 p.m. on Jan. 20! This annual open enrollment process is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school next year.

To apply: Visit schoolchoice.dpsk12.org/apply.

If you are applying for ECE, please head to the SchoolChoice website for more details regarding Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) application.

2. RASA Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Middle School Wing

DPS celebrated a major milestone at Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy (RASA) with the official ribbon cutting for the school’s brand-new middle school wing. This expansion transforms RASA from a K–5 into a K–8 campus, providing students with intentionally designed classrooms and dynamic STEAM learning spaces.

With this new wing, RASA students now have a continuous and supportive pathway for learning, exploration, and growth. We invite our community to visit, experience the space, and see firsthand how this investment is shaping the future for our young learners.

Watch the full recap https://youtu.be/wuF2XcwjHLs

3. Multilingual Families and Community Members Invited to the MLE DAC on Dec. 10

Join the Multilingual Education (MLE) District Advisory Committee (DAC) on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 9-11 a.m., at The Lowry Conference Center. The Committee will discuss ACCESS testing, state testing and attendance, focusing on their importance for language development, academic progress and preparation. Additionally, they will highlight how regular school attendance directly contributes to your child's success and social well-being. Breakfast, childcare and interpretation will be available. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register. Staff are also highly encouraged to attend. For more information, visit the MLE website.

4. Introducing Your New DPS Board of Education

On Nov. 22, Denver Public Schools officially swore in the newly elected Board of Education (BOE) directors. During a Special BOE Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, the BOE elected new officers. The new DPS Board of Education is as follows:

• Xóchitl Gaytán - District 2, President
• Monica Hunter - District 4, Vice President
• Dr. Donald “DJ” Torres - District 3, Treasurer
• Marlene De La Rosa - District 5, Secretary
• Kimberlee Sia - District 1
• Amy Klein Molk - At-Large
• John Youngquist - At-Large

5. DPS Celebrates Native American Heritage Month Through Student Art

Students from across Denver Public Schools gathered at South High School to create a powerful and vibrant sidewalk art installation in honor of Native American Heritage Month. The event brought together Native students, La Raza Culture Club and Latinos in Action to celebrate culture, identity and unity.

Using chalk, students filled the sidewalk with traditional symbols, messages such as Every Child Matters and artwork representing their diverse cultures. This is the first year the celebration has grown into a districtwide collaboration, and students hope even more schools will participate in the future.

Watch the recap video.

That’s all for this week! Stay warm, friends!

In this episode of the Marrero Moment, Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero sits down with DPS Chief Financial Officer Chuck Carpenter for a candid, accessible, and engaging conversation about the district’s financial health.

From what it means to hold a AAA credit rating, to how school budgets are built, to the external factors impacting our financial outlook — this episode breaks down complex topics in a way that families and staff can understand.

Topics covered include:
• How DPS manages a $1.5B budget
• Why AAA credit matters for our schools
• The real challenges affecting district finances
• How school-level voices shape DPS budgets
• What gives us confidence moving forward
• A few vegetables, birth rates, and plenty of humor along the way

Subscribe to the Denver Public Schools Podcast to stay updated on new episodes of the Marrero Moment and more stories from across the district.

Dr. Tony Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Denver Public Schools sits down with Communications Manager Nicole Brady to discuss leadership and academics in DPS.