Reinventing America's Schools - Denver

Many wonder whether a 21st century strategy is possible with an elected school board, because laying off teachers and closing schools can trigger fierce resistance. But Denver Public Schools has embraced charter schools and created “innovation schools.” Denver still has a long way to go, but its progress offers hope to other urban districts with elected school boards, which remain the norm. A combination of courageous leadership, political skill, and positive results has yielded broad support — voters have responded by electing a 7–0 majority for innovation.